Obituary

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 57, 9 March 1937, Page 6

Obituary

MR. ISAAC RHODES. An eventful career which included a long period of naval service was brought to a close yesterday morning with the death in hospital of Mr. Isaao Rhodes, of Ruahine street, at the ags of 75 years. Joining the British Navy as a seamatf at the age of 14, Mr. Rhodes spent 15 years on active service, serving at various periods on the Monarch, Rodney and Excellent. While in the personnej of the Monarch, he participated in the bombardment of Alexandria In 1882, and throughout the Egyptian campaign of that period. He was promoted to the rank of petty officer after several years' service, and had also enjoyed the distinction of being head diver of the Rodney. A portion of his service was under the late King George Y and the late Duke of Clarence, who were then on active service with the Navy. An excellent musketry marksman, Mr. Rhodes held among the other medals he received one for the best individual score while on the Cape Province station in. 1888. Retiring in 1891 from the active service, Mr. Rhodes remained on the reserve list for six years, and shortly afterwards entered the Police Department at Oldham, England. He gave 15 years in that capacity and ten years in the detective branch, also at Oldham. Coming to New Zealand in 1920, Mr. Rhodes spent several years as custodian for the Wellington Harbour Board. He occupied a similar position for the Dominion Farmers' Institute before entering the service of the Plant Research Department. When the research station was removed to Palmerston North, Mr. Rhodes transferred to this centre and continued with the department until seven years ago, when he retired. He had since lived in the city, maintaining an enthusiast's interest in gardening. He is survived by a widow and by two daughters, Mrs. M. Menzies, of Ngaio, and Mrs. E. Cosdale, of Tarakohe (Nelson).