OBITUARY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 25 January 1939, Page 5

OBITUARY

MR L. A. HEBBERD

DEATH OF HIGHLY-ESTEEMED SETTLERS A well-known and highly respected settler of the Taihape district in the person of Mr L. A. Hebberd, of Utiku. died suddenly at Auckland on New Year’s Day, says the “Taihape Times.” Mr Hebberd left Taihape on 22nd December on a deep-sea fishing expedition in the North of Auckland with a friend, but was taken suddenly ill while at the fishing grounds, and was brought :rom lielensville by boat to Auckland where he entered the public hospital in an unconscious condition. Mrs Hebberd hurried to Auckland and saw her husband shortly before he died. He was able to recognise her, but could not speak. Deceased passed away at 5 o'clock on New Year’s morning. and his sudden death has cast a gloom over the Taihape district where he was held in the highest esteem. His good qualities were too well known to need elaboration, and his popularity was very great. Kind, considerate and ever ready to help when required, Mr Heboerd was regarded as one of nature’s gentleman, and did a lot for the community in which he lived. He was born in Nelson 60 years ago. ! being the fifth son of Mr and Mrs C. | Hehberd. Mount Pleasant, Wakapuaka. J Nelson. There were six sons and six j daughters in the family. Deceased was educated at Nelson, and after his school days were over he assisted his father on the farm, Mr Hebberd senr. being the owner of a large station. Deceased married Miss Harriet Louisa Pahl of Nelson, about 38 years ago, i the wedding taking place at Nelson, j After his marriage Mr Hebberd took jup farming at Tuaenui. Mart on. for i three years before coming to Utiku I where he remained until the time of his ! death. He would have been in Utiku 33 years next June. Tie took a keen interest in sport and was a member of tne Taihape Rugby Union, and president of the Utiku Football Club, and the Utiku Mechanics Institute. He was also connected with other organisations and sports bodies both at Utiku and Taihape. Mr Hebberd was also a staunch member of the Anglican Church and served on the vestry for several years. He and his wife assisted the church by every means in their power. The loss of Mr Hebberd leaves a gap in the life of the community that will be exceedingly difficult to fill. The good that he did will live after him. and he will always be remembered as a kind Christian gentleman. His health had been very poor of late and he was reSuch of the cable news in this issue aj is so headed has appeared in “The Times” and is sent to this paper by special permission. It should be understood that the opinions are not those of “The Times” unless expressly stated to be so.

garded as a very sick man on the return journey from America recently. He is survived by his wife and five daughters. namely Mesdames E. Gardner (Te Kawhata), J. Carr (Palmerston North). F. C. Beuck (Utiku), A. A. Wilson (National Park), and R. H. Dean (Utiku). The funeral was held at Taihape on

Tuesday afternoon, the lengthy cortege reflecting the high regard in which Mr Hebberd was held. The funeral was one of the biggest ever seen in Taihape, . and a lorry was required to carry the huge number of wreaths and floral em- , blems. Mrs Hebberd received over 150 i telegrams of condolence from all parts j

■ of New Zealand. The pall-bearers were Messrs B. C. Fitzherbert, W. Berridgc, ; P. Becker. C. H. Transom. D. Boon, and . A. H. Smith (representing the Taihape • Rugby Union). The service at the ■ church and at the graveside was con- ) ducted by Rev. J. C. Abbott, vicar of > j St. Margaret’s.