Obituary.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8140, 14 November 1905, Page 5

Obituary.

Mr Gtfoftr'6- How®-.

Another of Palnierston's oHu5 anA widely respectedjesidents passed' awavi last night in the person of Mr George Howe, of Broad-street, his death takin" place about 10 o'clock. Deceased had been ailing for a long J;ime past, and had been confined to his house since last May. His end was not unexpected, as the doctor had given up all hope of recovery some time previously. The late Mr Howe was born in Manchester in 1823, and would have been 83 years of yge next birthday. As a boy he went to Bandan in Ireland, where he received his education', subsequently returning to his birthplace, where he served his apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker. Some time afterwards he left for Australia, and arrived in Melbourne in ISSI, where he resided for some few- years. He then removed to Auckland in the days when Governor Browne - was there, having the honor of making the furniture for the Government House of those days._ Early in the sixties he removed to Wanganui, where he remained for some years. While there he held the proprietorship oE the Rutland, Commercial, aud Skip Hotels, and became widely and favourably known all through that district. One incident of his residence there is worth recounting. He became surety for the contractor for the Marton-Huntervillc railway, who, failing to carry out his undertaking, caused Mr Howe lo be called upon to complete the work. Thtshe did in a satisfactory manner, but in so doing lost the whole of his fortune. Mr Howe subsequently had charge of the Bulls Hotel, and also of the Commercial Hotel at Hnwera. Leaving the latter place in ISBB he came to Palmerston North where he purchased the Eoyal Hotel in 1890. He successfully ran the house for many years, finally handing over its management to his step-son, Mr J. E. Hall. He disposed of his interest in this hotel some three or four years ago. Mr Howe had been married three times, on the last occasion to Mrs Hall at Wanganui. Deceased was a direct dpscendant of John Howe, Oliver Cromwell's chaplain, and was very proud' of his ancestry. He wrs a very strong supporter of the Congregational Church since its formation in this town, holding the position of treasurer for some years. He occupied the position of deacon at the time of his death.

He was also one of the founders of the Palmerston North Sash .and Door Company and held the position of chairman of directors for, some years, only relinquishing it a year or two ago. The Orange Lodge, of which he was an ardent member, will also have cause to miss his presence. Members of the order are 10 act as bearers at the funeral.

Deceased was a man of a generous open-handed nature so far as all worthy objects and deserving cases,were concerned. He was found to be a firm and iasting friend where once his attachment had been gained, and. in many private benefactions, unknown to the public, he showed the true" Christian spirit. £ •-:. :i.- •■;...

The only blood relations of deceased in the colony are a brother," Mr Edward Howe, of Wanganui, and some nephews at Feilding and Danuevirlce; He left two step-sons, Messrs J. E.'and W. E. Hall.

A funeral service will be held in the Congregational Church to-morrow afternoon at four o'clock, and thft body will be taken to Wanganui by the 7.10 a.m train on Thursday morning. The interment will take piace in the Wanganui Cemetery on Thursday afternoon, this being in accordance with th» wish, of the deceased gentleman.