OBITUARY.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 12 July 1935, Page 5

OBITUARY.

MR. W. G. VICKERS. The death of Mr. Wilfred Gaec Viekers, which occurred at his residence, Bartholomew Road, Levin, last evening, came as a painful shock to the whole district where he was exceptionally well-known and highly respected by all. The deceased gentleman, who was born at Auckland in August, 1877, was the youngest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. S. C. G. Viekers. of "Simla,' 'Khandallali. His early years were spent in farming pursuits, engaged on the estate of the late Judge Prendagast and the Pharazen estate. Later, for some years, he was with Mr. Elder! at Waikanae. and Mr. H. E. Leighton, at Otaki Gorge, ,r.nd then with Mr James Petersen at Gore. From these places of employment he gained a widespread and full knowledge of the agricultural industry, which was to serve him in good stead in later years. In 1!N)S he joined the Wellington Meat Export Company, in whose service he remained up to the time of his death. The late Mr. Viekers was .mimed in 1901 to Susannah Elizabeth Stausell, eldest daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Stanseli.

The deceased gentleman had identified himself with all organisations throughout the district which have had as their object anything for the welfare of the agricultural industry and Ms knowledge was their disposal, but his more definite preference lav in racing in which he took a particularly keen and enthusiastic interest right up to the time of his demise. As a "judge of fat stock. th-> late Mr. Tickers was recognised as being the possessor of high qualifications, and in that capacity he acted a> many A. and I*. Shows throughout the North Island, and at several Royal shows. He had been a member of the Levin Racing Club for some twenty year? and President for the last six. mi office which he only relinquished very recently. He was a foundation member of the Hautere Rifle Club, which came into existence in 190 S, and a member of the Levin District High School Committee for eight years. At the time of his death he was a member of the district committee of the Manawatu A. and P. Association, the Horowhenua A. and P. Association and the Masonic and Druids' Lodges. In church work he was also interested, being a member of St. Mary's Anglican Church and Vestry and Vicar's warden for many rears. The late Mr. Viekers is survived by his widow, one daughter. Gracie (Levin), and four sons,. Norman (Taihape). Douglas and Gordon (Levin) and Ernest (Johannesburg). There are also two sisters, Mrs. C. T. H. Brown and Miss . Viekers, both of Khandallaa. and one brother, Mr. George Viekers, of Auckland, and to them will be extended a wealth of sympathy in their sad loss.

The funeral will leave the residence at 1.45 p.m. on Sunday for St. Mary's Church, where a short service will commence at 2 p.m., and then will proceed to the Levin cemetery.