MR J. A. TURTON.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXII, Issue LXXII, 9 October 1916, Page 4

MR J. A. TURTON.

With deep regret we have to record that the serious illness of Mr J. A. Turton ended fatally at 10 o'clock on Saturday night at i\ew Plymouth, tie had been suffering from an internal trouble for some months; and a wec-K ago underwent surgical examination and treatment. He was, up till two clays ago, showing slight improvement, but pneumonia intervened, and he passed away on Saturday night. The news of his death was received with sincere regret by very many in Hawera and district, who in tneir dealings with him in public or in private life had learnt to appreciate and value his sterling uprightness and his thoroughness in all that he took in hand. Coming to Hawera about 18 \ears ago in tne service of the Bank of New South Wales, he served in that institution for a few years, and when he left he joined Mr J. W. Hirst in business. When the ( latter left Hawera Mr Turton succeeded him, and by dint of hard work and close attention had built up a very fine business. He was a great organiser, and his work in the Racing Club, as in the companies with, which he was connected, was eminently . successful. By all he was held in high estimation. Besides being a leading man in the town's business life, he had found time to take a keen interest in many forms of sport. Years ago he was actively connected with Rugby football, and was considered one of the best referees on the coast. He has always been an active supporter of the Tennis Club. He was also a good player some years ago, and was largely responsible for the successful management of the club for several years after they left Bayly Park. Until his death he was one oi the leading members of the Golf Club, a good and a keen player. In all the sports in which he had. taken part he was known as a player whp put his whole energy into the game, and was all the way and all the time a thorough sportsman. In business life he was well known and honored for his straightness, his thoroughness, and his vclevotion to his work. Those who knew him personally esteemed him and valued his friendship- for the same traits of character. His . premature death has removed a man whose loss will be keenly felt, not only by his | own personal friends, but also by the whole-community. .He was of the type of man a town can ill afford to lose. Sincere sympathy will be felt for his i relations in their great loss.

Before commencing his sermon on Sunday evening at" St. Mary's, the Rev. C. H. Grant Cowen made special reference to the death of Mr J. A. Turton. He said that he would like to express the sincere sympathy of the church people to his relatives. Mr Turton had been closely associated with. the building of the'church, was present as churchwarden at the laying of the foundation stone, and did much to further the interests of the'church. The parish owed him a debt of gratitude. 'He also took a prominent part in the affairs of the town, and never spared himself in its interests. He will be much missed. All would trust,

and pray that God's holy spirit would be- with-.-those were left to mourn the loss ofv a devoted son and brother.