Obituary

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 230, 28 September 1940, Page 3

Obituary

MR. A. W. OWLES, OF NEW BRIGHTON There passed awaj recently at New Brighton one of that town’s well-known residents iu tho person of Mr. A. W. Owles, at the age of 92 years. Mr. Owles was a brother-in-law of Mrs. F. R. Bridge, of Feilding, and during his residence at New Brighton for over 50 years, ho played a prominent part in borough affairs. Born in England iu 1848 he spent a life on tho sea from 12 years of age until 1887, when ho took up residence at New Brighton. For 32 years ho represented Speight and Company, of Dunediu, as a commercial traveller, retiring in 1931. Mr. Owles took an active interest iu all sporting bodies and was cither patron, life member, president or vice-president of almost every club and organisation, as well as bi-izig a member of the local Borough Council and Mayor for a period of two years. Mr. Owles was created Justice of tho Peace in 1927 and was awarded the Coronation Medal in 1937 and was instrumental in the foundation

of the Brighton Masonic Lodge, these being but a few of his connections with numerous local bodies. Mr. Owles was twice married, his first wife being Miss Rebecca Shannon, Geraldine, and tho second Miss Ann Louise Davidson, of Christchurch, sister of Mrs. Bridge., of Feilding. His daughters are Mesdamcs H. Sewell (Temuka), H. Taylor (Christchurch), R. Cameron (New Brighton), and his sons, Messrs. A. H. Owles (Kenya Colony, South Africa), O. Owles (Wellington), E. A. Owles (Westport), and H. Owles (Christchurch). There are seven grandchildren. Mr, George Owles, a son, was a well-known footballer and member of the police force in South Africa and was accidentally killed there in 1927. In paying a tribute to tho services of Mr. Owles, the Mayor of New Brighton (Mr. E. L. Smith) said: “Captain Owles gave a service to the borough of New Brighton and other districts which was of untold value. Many things lie initiated and brought to a successful conclusion were progressive movements which are taken by the people of to-day as a matter of course without thought to the founder. Many a languishing club has had good reason to be grateful for his monetary assistance as well as that sound advice so freely given. His services to the community, even at his advanced age, will be very hard to replace and ho will be missed by all.”