OBITUARY

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6849, 2 March 1929, Page 10

OBITUARY

ME. JOHN BETT. By the death of Mr John Bett, Palmerston North has lost a citizen who had materially assisted the progress of the town since 1881. The deceased gentleman, at the time of his death, was in his 66th year, having been born in Wanganui in October 1863. Mr Bett first became associated with Palmerston North at the age .off IS. He formed the coach building firm of Bett and Stratford, which later became Bett and C'arville, the latter gentleman being a brother-in-law of Mr Bett. Some time later Mr Bett took over the full control of the business, the premises in Eangitikei street being known as the Manawatu Cariage Works. The business was one of the largest in the district and employed a considerable number of hands. As the years advanced and the town developed rapidly tho business was formed into the firm of J. Bett and Coy., Ltd. Then came the motor car with the greater scope of transport it foretold. Mr Bett early grasped the importance of the new business and, together with Mr W. Mason Buyly, formed the firm of J. Bett and Bayly, Ltd., which was a most important link in the chain of firms which were early established to set the motor trade on a sound basis. The firm carried on business for a number of years, Mr Bayly later leaving Palmerston North to reside in the north. Pour years ago the firm went into liquidation and Mr Bett retired from a life of industry marked by integrity of business principles and honesty of purpose which won him the respect of his large circle of friends in commerce and private life. On entering into private life. Mr Bett travelled extensively, visiting Great Britain and the Continent. .Returning to Palmerston North he lived at Manawatu Heads for eighteen months, and then settled down in Pitchett street, Palmerston North. His health had been failing for the past six months and his death was not unexpected. Bo ceased was a prominent member of tho Presbyterian Church, and belonged to tho Manawatu Kilwinning and Rose Croix Lodges. He was a member of the Fire Board, of the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association, and for a term president of the Motor Garage Proprietors’ Association. For' a number of years ho had held office as a Justice of the Peace.

Mr Bett was twice married, his first wife being Miss Carville who passed away in 1918. There were four children of tho first marriage. In 1917 Mr Bett suffered the loss of his only son, Robert, who was killed in action at Messines. Surviving Mr Bett are his widow, formerly Miss Evelyn Archer, of Wellington, and three daughters by ■his first wife, Mesdames B. J. Jacobs and J. A- Grant, of Palmerston North, and Mrs H. M. Palmer,, of Plymouth, England, who arrived in Palmerston North on a visit to ter late father two weeks ago.