AN AUCKLAND PIONEER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19349, 9 June 1926, Page 12

AN AUCKLAND PIONEER.

A life identified with Auckland from very early days closed yesterday when the call came to Mr. David Goldie. Of good pioneer stock, he was connected with the city since the far-off troubled times when it was the headquarters of the military forces engaged in the Maori wars. He saw it grow. He was one of those men whose activities had much to do with the shaping of its destinies. His career is an exemplification of the truth that success need not depend so much on auspicious beginnings as on the qualities of a man with, the industry, force and determination to make his own way. It should be enough to make any young man to-day ask whether opportunity is not awaiting him if he has the vision to see it, the courage to seize it. Another lesson lies in the history of the late Mr. Goldie. All his time and abilities were not devoted to pushing his own fortunes. . Service on the Provincial Council, in Parliament, on the City Council, the Harbour Board, Hospital Board, Education Board and City Licensing Committee all stand to the credit of his name. Few men to-day can quote such a list of civic duties performed. In these times, when it is complained that. many well fitted to bear their share of the burden of public life deliberately abstain, such an example is of great worth. When, in addition, there is a record of activity in religious and social welfare organisations, tho fulness of the life just closed gives cause to marvel. The all-round character of it, the amount of labour done for the good of others, makes it outstanding among the lives lived since Auckland came into being. Having gone to his long rest, the late Mr. Goldie should be remembered always as a pioneer typical of all the best linking the Auckland which was with the city which is now.