WAIKATO PIONEER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19858, 31 January 1928, Page 10

WAIKATO PIONEER.

LATE MR. RICHARD REYNOLDS SERVICE TO DAIRY INDUSTRY. [r.Y TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON, Monday. Mr. Richard Reynolds, who died at Rotorua yesterday at the age of 75 years, was one of the oldest and best-known pioneers in the Waikato. He was born at Cainerl'ord, Cornwall, England, and he came to Now Zealand with his parents when 14 years of age. His father, Mr. William Reynolds, owned several farms between Hamilton and Cambridge, and fanning was the occupation taken up by Mr. Richard Reynolds. For many years he was the owner of a property at Cambridge, known as Trecarne. Until recent years, when a serious illness overtook him, Mr. Reynolds took an active part in promoting local affairs, and his interests were many and varied. He served on the Pukekura Road Board until that body was absorbed by the Waipa County Council. He was past president of the Central Waikato Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and took a keen interest in the preparation of show stock. He was also a member of the first Board of Agriculture. For many years Mr. Reynolds was associated with the Auckland Acclimatisation Society, and he served for a period as its president. He did much to foster game in the Cambridge district, and was a well-known sportsman. As an ardent lover of flora Mr. Reynolds became an authority on afforestation, and his homestead, Trecarne, is surrounded by some magnificont trees. He was also responsible for the planting of many trees which give the Cambridge district such a beautiful and picturesque appearance. Waikato dairymen are particularly indebted to Mr. Reynolds, who, with bis brother, the late 'Mr. Henry Reynolds, and the late Mr. H. Farley, formed the business of Henry Reynolds and Co., and established the first butter factory in the Waikato district. The building is still standing at Pukekura. Messrs. Reynolds were among the first promoters of the home separation system oi preparing butter, which meant so much to the early Waikato settlors. Mr. Reynolds was also one of the pioneers on the Rangitaiki Plains, where he bought and farmed large areas of land. The interment will take place at Cambridge to-morrow.