OLDEST RUATANGATA SETTLER PASSES

Northern Advocate, 25 August 1937, Page 4

OLDEST RUATANGATA SETTLER PASSES

OBITUARY

The death occurred with dramatic suddenness this morning of Mr Richard Routley Hodge, the earliest surviving settler of the Ruatangata district and until recently a leading figure in local affairs.

Mr Hodge had been unwell for some time, but, recently, there had been an Improvement in his health and he was engaged in his duties at the cowshed this morning when he collapsed and expired within a few minutes.

Deceased, who was 75 last July, was born at Pukekohe, When only 12 months old he was taken by his parents into the old Pukekohe church, which was fortified and used by the wnite people as a refuge from the natives during the Maori war. The church was under fire from the Maoris, but no harm came to the Hodge baby. He accompanied his father to Ruatangata as a lad of five years old. He created a record by remaining on this property continuously for 70 years, being a contemporary of Mr Yates and the late Mr Lilley in the pioneering days. Mr Hodge took a keen and active part in the furtherance of all local interests. He was an ardent supporter of the Methodist church.

For 39 years he served continuously on the Ruatangata School Committee, being chairman for 35 years. He was also chairman of the Public Hall and Library Committees, and at the time of his death occupied the chief executive position in the Ruatangata Co-op, Lime Company, an office which he had filled since the inception of the company 16 years ago. Former Councillor. For a long period prior to 1926 he represented Wairua riding on the Whangarei County Council. He was well qualified for the position and possessed a contractor’s knowledge of the problems which came before the local body. Mr Hodge was a good judge of stock, especially of Shorthorn cattle, the breeding of which he made a speciality. He officiated at local shows and also won prizes as an exhibitor of horses and cattle.

The progress of the Whangarei A. and P. Society was advanced by, Mr Hodge, who served on the executive for many years and at one time occupied the presidency. Even in later years he was a regular attender at annual meetings and contributed usefully towards the debates. Keen Sportsmen.

Deceased was a keen sportsman and a notably good shot. In the days when birds were plentiful it was no unusual thing for him to return from a day’s tramping with a bag of 20 pheasants. As wicket-keeper for the old Ruatangata Cricket Club, Mr Hodge won a name for courage and cleverness.

Although advanced in years, he still took a great interest in all his activities.

When at Ruatangata, Mr Hodge married Florence, the third daughter of the late Captain and Mrs Going, of Three Mile Bush. His wife predeceased him some years ago as a result of an accident.

Deceased is survived by one son, Mr William Percival Hodge, of Aponga, and two daughters, Mrs George Lord (Devonport) and Miss L. Hodge, Ruatangata. The funeral will leave the residence at 1 o'clock on Thursday for Kamo cemetery.