Death of Mr. Victor T. Dibble

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7031, 15 December 1932, Page 6

Death of Mr. Victor T. Dibble

CITY’S LOSS OF PUBLIC-SPIRITED CITIZEN The wliolc community will mourn tho tragic death of Mr. Victor Thomas Dibble, secretary of the Manawatu Racing Club, who was found dead yesterday morning. Deceased, who had been in ill health for some time past, was last seen alive driving his car on the Awapuni course about 8.30 o'clock by Mr. W. Stevens, one of tho caretakers. When Mr. Dibble could not be found a search was made and his dead body was discovered, while nearby a revolver was found.

The late Mr. Dibble was a man of outstanding ability, with an unlimited capacity for work, a gift for organisation, and a winning personality—a rare combination of characteristics which, in the brief period of his residence in Palmerston North, had earned him a wide circle of friends and admirers. For some time past the state of his health, undermined by injuries received in the, Great War, had been causing his friends anxiety, and it had been arranged that he should' enter hospital for treatment as soon as the forthcoming race meeting at Awapuni, which he . insisted on seeing through, was over. Just over two years ago Mr. Dibble, who had previously been assistantsecretary to the Auckland Racing Club, came to Palmor'ston North to take over the duties of secretary to tho Manawatu Club, succeeding the late Mr. J. M. Johnston. During his sojourn in Palmerston North ho not only carried out his duties for the Racing Club with conspicuous ability, but had assisted in all matters affecting the welfare of the community and his services were always freely given. As secretary of the Manawatu Racing Club the late Mr. Dibblo will be hard to replace, his knowledge of all work connected with racing being invaluable not only to tho club but to all others engaged in the sport. He had taken a very active part in many local matters, being chairman of the Palmerston North Citizens’ Committee, that carried out such good work in connection with tho Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association’s Winter and Royal Shows, while ho also was an esteemed and enthusiastic member of the Palmerston North Rotary Club, only recently resigning tho secretaryship owing to ill health. Mr. Dibble was also secretary of the Manawatu branch of the Red Cross Society, and it will be recalled that ho rendered valuable service as secretary of the Racing Club during the period of the Napier earthquake, when a refugees’ camp was established at tho Awapuni course. Ho wuis also chairman of directors of Manawatu Speedways, Ltd. The deceased gentleman, who Saw scrvico during tho War and was severely wounded, was a married man, and tho deepest sympathy will be extended to Mrs. Dibble and her baby son in their sad bereavement. Palmerston North and district will deplore the lo'ss of a gentleman W'ho enjoyed tho regard and confidence of his host of friends. A Rotary Tribute At a meeting of directors of the Palmerston North Rotary Club last ovening the following resolution was passed:— The members of tho Palmerston North Rotary Club learn with deep regret of tho death of Rotarian V. T. Dibble, who not only as a member and secretary of the club, but also as a citizen, showed such a splendid spirit of service in the in- ■ forests of the community. Tho members desire that an expression of their sincere sympathy be conveyed to Mrs. Dibble. The president (Mr. W. G. Black), speaking of Mr. Dibble’s services, said lie was for IS months a member of the dub, during the latter six months occupying tho position of secretary. Mr. Dibblo showed not only unusual ability iu this work, but ho had endeared himself by his winning personality to every member of tho club. He resigned his position as secretary only a fortnight ago on account of continued ill-health, and this decision was come to by him the more reluctantly because lie had a genuine liking for the movement and a keen appreciation of what it stood for in the community.

Mr. Black, as a member of tko Citizens’ Show Committee, also paid tribute to Mr. Dibble’s work as chairman of that body, where his clear and logical thinking and tact in handling men contributed very materially to the success attained by that body. At last night’s annual meeting of Milson Aerodrome (Inc.) a motion of condolence with the relatives of the late Mr. Dibble was carried in silence. The funeral of the late Mr. Dibble will take place to-morrow afternoon, leaving the residence, Merc Mere Avenue, at 2 o’clock, for tho Kelvin Grove cemetery.