Death of Mr. Thomas Rayner Hodder

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 192, 15 August 1945, Page 4

Death of Mr. Thomas Rayner Hodder

PIONEER IN FARMING AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES

Death has removed another notable figure in the life and growth of Palmerston North and district in the person of Mr. Thomas Rayner Hodder who passed away peacefully yesterday morning at the age of 84 years. A New Zealander born, Mr. Hodder was one of the fast diminishing links with the early

colonist days of the Dominion, and the span of his life marks the period of this country’s growth from forest and fern to its jiresent advanced state of

civilisation. He Jived a remarkably varied and active life, was a successful farmer and businessman, devoted a great deal of his time to civic and social betterment, and was a leader in religious thought and activity. A man of high purpose and strength of character, he earned the respect of citizens in every walk of lite, and his cheerful and vital personality Avon for him a very Avide circle of friends.

Born in 1861 at Richmond, Nelson, he Avas the eldest son. of Thomas Riches Hodder. At the age of 14 years Mr. Hodder went Avith his parents to the Old Country and attended Mill Hill, one of England’s best-known public schools. {Small of stature, he Avas nevertheless a keen athlete, finishing up his years at Mill Hill by winning the quarter mile and mile races.' He was also in the first cricket eleven at Mill Hill, and Avas ahvays proud to relate being present at the first cricket match ever played by Australia at Lord’s, Avhen the Englishmen were defeated by ten wickets. Returning to New Zealand, he Avent into his father’s office in Ashburton for three years, after which he returned to tho Nelson district, Avlicrc he farmed what Avas knoAvn as the Grange property for some years. Later, he sold out and joined Captain W. R. Williams in property in tho ManaAvatu, buying Captains Fairchild’s and Olivier’s property in the Middle Aorangi (1450 acres), noAv di\ r ided into several farms. They also purchased land belonging to Mr. J. C. Sly at Karere (200 acres), Avhieli he successfully farmed for 15 j-ears. o\A'ing to the death of his partner. Cap-

tain Williams, tho Aorangi property was disposed of. In 1903 Mr. Hodder sold his farm, and enme to reside in Palmerston North, Avhere he entered into partnership Avith the late Mr. H. Tolley and established the well-known business firm of Hodder and TolleA-, Ltd. In 1926 Mr. llodder retired from active participation in business to become chairman of directors for the remainder of his life. Four years after his retirement Mr. Hodder, together with his Avife and duughter, re\isited England and revived many associations of his early school days. He was ahvays proud of his connection with the publishing firm of Hodder and Stoughton, Ltd., one of the founders, Matthew' Henry Hodder, being his father's younger brother. Mr. Hodder took a great interest in public affairs, and especially in educational matters. He Avas secretary and chairman of the Longburn School Committee, and of the College Street School Committee, Palmerston North, and for a long term serAed on the Palmerston North High School Board of Governors, acting- for one year as chairman. He was a member of the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce for a number of years, and also devoted a great deal of time to the Manawatu A. and P. Association, Avliich he joined as soon as he came to Palmerston North. At the time of his death he was one of the oldest members of this association. He Avas president of the association iu 1913, and on the death of Mr. J. M. Johnston took over the treasurership for a period of seven years.

Mr. Hodder was also a foundation member of the Y.M.C.A. in Palmerston North. With the late Messrs H. Tolley, D. W. Loav, J. E. Vernon, and a feAV other enthusiasts, he commenced the association in a hull in AndreAv Young Street. When later the property in Grey Street avub purchased Mr. Hodder maintained a lively interest, and for several years Avas president of the association. He took a particular interest in all the sporting activities of the Bovs’ High School, and for many years rarely missed a cricket or football match. Since 1919, when they won the lleathcote-Williams Shield, he entertained the first eleven and the first fifteen to afternoon tea at the end of each season right up to the present. He represented Nelson, South Canterbury and Manawatu iu cricket, and continued his interest in the game all through his life. In later years he took up bowling and became quite a successful player. He Avas the first president of the Northern BoAvling Club and played there all through last season. As a veteran bowler he Avon considerable distinction. In 1891 Mr. Hodder married the second daughter of ReA. John Crump, and took her as a bride to Karere. Here their six children Avcre born, the eldest boy, Basil, making the supreme sacrifice in France in the First World War. Mr. Hodder was a Avarni supporter of the Methodist Church, and occupied most positions open to a layman. For many years he represented the Cuba Street -Methodist Church at the annual {Synod and Conference. His particular interests, however, always lay with the 3 r oung people, and he served for 55 years as a teacher and Sunday school superintendent. He is sur\i\ed by his wife, three sons, Messrs E. M. Hodder (Masterton). M. K. Hodder (Birmingham, England) und A. lv. llodder (farmer, of Taihape), and two daughters, Mrs. J. B. Bennett (Christchurch) and Miss L. M. Hodder (Palmerston North). There are also 15 grandchildren. Reference to the death of Mr. Hodder Avas made at the monthly meeting of the Kairanga County Council yesterday, the chairman (Cr. W. R. Hopcroft) paying him a high tribute. Mr. Hodder was a man of strong character and stout couAictions, .Cr. Hopcroft said. Cr. N. P. Nielsen also spoke of his out-