LATE MR. G. F. ROACH

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 211, 20 August 1934, Page 7

LATE MR. G. F. ROACH

Harbour Board’s Tribute

Members of the Napier Harbour Board to-day passed a resolution of sympathy to the relatives of the Into Fir. G F. Roach, who was at one lime a. member of the board. A tribute to the services of the late Mr. Roach wa paid bv the chairman, Mr. T. M. Ge:. s.

“Since our last meeting, Hawke’s Bay has lost a very fine citizen in the person of .Mr. George Frederick Roach, formerly Mayor of Hastings, and at one time a member of this board,” said Mr. Geddis. “Mr. Roach had led a lull life, and probably few citizens can match the record of service which was his, lie served in countless wavs, with local bodies, with social and charitable organisations and in other causes for the public, good. Because he possessed outstanding capacity his advice and his assistance were frequently sought m public matters, and it is eminently to his credit that he was always ready to put personal considerations to one side that he might undertake new responsibilities. “His zeal for service was most nobly manifested at the time of the earthquake disaster nearly four years ago. when he held office as the Mayor of Hastings.” Mr. Geddis continued. “Although his own affairs, in common with those of countless others had been greatly disturbed, ard although he was at the head of a large business which called for immediate attention, he entirely overlooked his own interests and threw the whole of his time and his energy into fulfilling his duty as chief citizen of Hastings. Mr. Roach also gave valuable service as a member .if this board, and ratepayers of tin Napier Harbour district had every cause to be profoundly grateful to him on that account. His death will be keenly felt by the entire eotnhniiiifv of Hawke’s Bay. and I am sure that 'he members of the hoard will join with wi.h me in extending the deepest sympathy to Mrs Roach and the members of her family.” Mr. A. I'l. .lull said ho had known the late Mr Roach for a very long period and wished to fullv endorse the remarks made by the chairman. His passing awav came as a great shock to luo speaker.