OBITUARY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 265, 8 October 1940, Page 2

OBITUARY

MR W. F. CUTLER. Mr William Frederick, Cutler, a well-known and respected citizen of Palmerston North, passed away on Sunday. Though he had been in indifferent health for a considerable period his death was unexpected aud came as a shock to his wide circle of friends. The late Mr Cutler was born in Sydney 63 years ago and was a son of the late William Samuel Cutler of that city. Coming to New Zealand 39 years ago, he had resided in Palmerston North ever since. He worked for a number of years in the New Zealand Farmers’ Dairy Union factory and during that pteriod organised and became first president of the Dairy Factory Employees’ Union. I'or io years he represented a Wellington firm in the Wellington, Taranaki, and Hawke’s Bay Provinces, and possessed a remarkable knowledge of tins portion ol the North Island. Mr Cutler took a keen interest in the friendly societies movement, being a member of the U.A.O.D. He was Arch Druid during 5911 and district president during 1916. Many of the young men and women in Palmerston North will remember the Christmas celebrations iu connection with the Druids’ Lodge, when Mr Cutler delighted in playing the role of Father Christmas, lie was one of Hie founders of the United Friendly ' Societies Dispensary and bought the first share issued by that body. He continuously sat on the committee from its inception until his death. He was also for many years associated with the Friendly Society Council. For many years a member of the Cosmopolitan Club he took an active interest in its activities. Mr Cutler also took an active interest in local and Dominion politics and was in keen supporter of the Labour Party, having sat on the executive and been an active member of the Social Club Committee. On two occasions he was an unsuccessful candidate for a seaton the City Council, on each occasion be r ing defeated by a very small margin. Mr Cutler was a member ,of the College Street School Committee for 11 years and played no small part in securing the erection of the new school. He was also for some years a member of the Mauawatu-Oroua School Committees’ Association. Keenly interested in sport, Mr Cutler was for some years a member of the Manawatu Bowling Club and enthusiastically followed local cricket.

In 1906 Mr Cutler married Emilio, eldest daughter of the late Mr Jens Christensen, of Tiritea, and he leaves his widow, one daughter and five sons to mourn their loss. His daughter is Miss Kitty Cutler, of Stratford, ; ; and the sons "are: Messrs Frederick iWellington), John (Hastings,), Arthur (Burnham Military Camp), Stanley (Trentham Military Camp) and Erie (Palmerston North). In addition there are three grandchildren. The late Mr Cutler retained a keen interest in Palmerston North’s advancement and welfare throughout his lengthy residence and was always ready to render assistance in its progress. A motion of sympathy was- passed with the relatives of the late Mr Cutler at a meeting of the College Street ba'iool Committee last evening.