SIR ROBERT NOLAN

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 14 July 1923, Page 6

SIR ROBERT NOLAN

Cby telegeaph —press association j AUCKLAND, July 13.' i The death of Sir Robert Nolan, of Auckland, and formerly of Hawera, occurred to-night. > Q,B?/V!i £ a,tnur st in 1855, the late bir Robert Nolan came to New Zealand as a young boy with his parents, his father being the late Mr. David Nolan, ot the late firm of Messrs. Hunter and auctioneers, Auckland. Sir Kobert was in business lor many years at Hawera as senior partner in Messrs Nolan and Tonks. ■ He went to England on a visit short- ' ly before th© outbreak of war, and as honorary secretary and officer in charge ' of the New Zealand Soldiers' Club in London from its inception until it was closed in 1919 he rendered excellent service to the members of the Expeditionary Force. Sir Robert- was also a member of the committee of the New Zea- j land War Contingent. Association in London. He was created a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1918. He returned to New Zealand in 1920, and had since resided in Auckland. Sir Robert was a member of the commission of inquiry for th» welfare of the blind. He was created a Kmght of the British Empire last month. Sir Robert, who had been ailing for two days, is survived by Lady Nolan, one son (Mr. V. H. Nolan, of Cambridge), and one married and two, single daughters. » • The news will be received with very sincere regret, for few men were more highly regarded during the many years from the late seventies of last century :. that. Sir Robert was connected with the business world and the public life of the town and district. Throughout all that time he was universally popu- , lar, and this was a great tribute to the character of the man. Of his many services to the community of South Taranaki the most outstanding were his -work for the hospital and for the .Racing Club. Into botk he threw himself Wl tfo. the enthusiasm that was characteristic of him in everything he undertook. Ho was a constant visitor and supporter of the hospital for many years, and chairman of the- board for a considerable period. His work for that institution would alone entitle him to the everlasting gratitude of the people. In adidtion, he was a lifelong enthusiast in the cause of racing, and . was honoured by being retained as ! president year after year, although away from the district for several years It was a unique but fitting honour. He was a keen supporter of the Egmont A. and P. Association and of every : movement that had for its object the advancement of the formers and of the people of the town. His work in London during the war will ever be remembered. With his widow and family the whole district will join in very sincere sympathy in their great loss.