OBITUARY

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXX, Issue 4816, 3 March 1936, Page 5

OBITUARY

MR. T. F. GIBBONS. The death took place at the Waikato Hospital on Friday morning of Mr. T. F. Gibbons, of Te Maika, one of the most popular figures in the Kawhia district, and well known to many residents in the King Country and the Waikato. "Fred" Gibbons, as he was popularly known amongst his numerous friends, was the first postmaster in Kawhia, and he remained in that capacity until his retirement in 1922. In his official capacity Mr. Gibbons won the regard and goodwill of all those he came in contact with through his uniform consideration and courtesy. He possessed a pleasing personality, which made him many friends, not only in the Kawhia district, but amongst the numerous holiday-makers who spent their vacations there. Mr. Gibbons was keenly interested in all kinds of sport, more especially those of an acquatic nature, and it was through his energetic organisation that the Kawhia Carnival Club began to operate. After his retirement Mr. Gibbons took up his residence at Te Maika, where he resided ever since. Some days ago Mr. Gibbons had a sudden seizure, necessitating his removal to the Waikato Hospital, where a successful operation was performed, but complications set in and Mr. Gibbons passed away in the early hours of Friday morning. Mr. Gibbons belongs to the numerous Thames clan of that name, of sawmilling and timber fame, two of his brothers (the late Mr. Jack Gibbons, of the Wellington Evening I Post, and Captain Gibbons, harbourmaster, Onehunga) being wellknown members of a large family. He is survived by Mrs. Gibbons (nee Miss McNeish) for whom widespread sympathy is felt. MRS. E. W. DURBRIDGE. The death occurred suddenly a't Taihape yesterday of Mrs. Durbridge, wife of Mr. E. W. Durbridge. Mr. and Mrs. Durbridge and family have lived in Te Kuiti for many years, he being inspector of permanent ways in the Railway Department, and it is only a week since they left Te Kuiti for Taihape whence Mr. Durbridge had been transferred. Mrs. Durbridge is survived by her husband and two daughters.