Obituary

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7104, 13 March 1933, Page 6

Obituary

MR. ROBT. EDWARD 3 There will bo widespread regret at the news of the death of Air. Robert Edwards, of Palmerston North, which occurred yesterday at the age of 76 years. His passing removes one who as Mayor and also as councillor, played important parts in the development of the city in its younger days. Born at Geelong, Air. Edwards arrived in New Zealand in 3SG9 from Melbourne in the ship South Australia. He first entered public life in the Municipality of Palmerston North in 1888, on which occasion ho was elected to the borough council, a position which he continued to fill till 1892. It was in that year that he stood for Mayor and defeated Mr. Linton. Being an ardent advocate of taxation reform, ho introduced into tho council his own ideas thereon and succeeded in getting a motion passed asserting tho advisability of substituting rating on unimproved value in place of the existing system. The council, at his suggestion, also sent a resolution to the Prime Atinister setting forth the virtues of tho change and asking for a Bill to provide for it. Parliament complied and tho House carried the measure twice, but tho Upper House threw it out each time. It was not until 1896 that the Bill became law. Rating on the unimproved valuo was thus adopted in Palmerston North before any other locality in the Colony. Mr. Edward's could also lay claim to being instrumental in promoting the high-pressure water supply which the city has enjoyed for many years, and drew up a sewerago scheme which was approved by the council of those days. "The main credit for Palmerston North securing a separate hospital district could also be given to Air. Edwards. He was a member of the Hospital Board for four years, and as a rcsuit of the dividing of the district, Palmerston North was able to obtain its own hospital. His other public activities included the Palmerston North Borough Council, 1927-29; tho_ Palmerston North Licensing Committee in 1894, and school committee work. He was also a .T.P. The first swimming bath’s in Palmerston North wore established by him in Alain street oast, and served the needs of the growing community for many years. Air." Edwards was a Fellow of the Institute of Architects and recently was re-elected to the council of the Institute. He is survived by his widow and six children— Patricia, Felicie, Nancy, Alarcolla, Eulalia and Robert. Alcssrs Cockburn (Wellington), R. Kerr (Nelson), C. Chamberlain (Los Angeles), and A. Stansoll (Auckland) arc sisters.

Mes3rs. A. J. Shailer and Son, the well-known Palmerston North dahlia growers, carried off the chief award at the Auckland dahlia show', being awarded the Auckland Horticultural Society’s 45-guinea challenge cup and the Royal Horticultural Society’s bronze medal for collection of dahlias. Mr. A. J. Shailer also judged tho amateur classes and performed a similar service at Pahiatua on Saturday. pLEAR, PURE, SPARKLING- DIA- ' MONDS. It is fashion that the Engagement ring should contain diamonds. How important is the quality! Stones of unerring purity, perfection in colour, absolutely flawless and mounted in the best taste, are obtainable from STEWART DAWSON, Wellington. Send for .catalogue..