MR TOM NEWMAN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 10 March 1944, Page 4

MR TOM NEWMAN

MR TOM NEWMAN, who died yesterday, was a pioneer in the truest sense of that word. Born in the Waimeas when Nelson was still very young, he and his brothers and sisters inherited the courage and selfreliance which impelled their father, William Newman, to come to a practically unknown country 102 years ago. These qualities, developed by environment—and necessity—stood them in good stead when the time came to lay the foundations of a transport business which is a credit to New Zealand and to its founders. There is romance about transport in a new land where vigorous minds see the opportunities and grasp them. The Newman brothers did that but, without perseverance, hard work, business acumen, and a willingness to accept risks, they could not have won through to the success achieved. Moreover, they took a pride in their work and in the reputation of their business. These are among the best pioneer characteristics, which deserve reward and merit emulation.

Mr Newman’s full life of 84 years stretched over the greater part of Nelson’s first century and there was no doubt that his heart lay deep in the district of his birth. He never, forgot any of the many friends he had made along the road while they never forgot him. There was not a place in the northern part of the Island—and few elsewhere in New Zealand—where, on a visit, he would not be greeted with a hearty handshake by an old acquaintance. By disposition as well as in physical stature Mr Tom Newman was a big man with a most genial nature in which strength of character was unmistakable. His relish of a joke was almost as transparent and infectious as his love of good horses. He never lost the zest for living nor his high reputation for plain dealing. In a busy life he was not too preoccupied to neglect doing many a good turn for individuals and for the community. His tastes veered to the country rather than the town and to that which was live rather than to the mechanical. Most forms of manly sport attracted his interest and enjoyed his patronage. Mr Newman was a notable Nelson and New Zealand personality who was held in the highest respect and esteem. Regret at his passing will be tempered by remembering the example he has left behind from a long, honourable and useful life spent in Nelson Province.