MR. H. 0. NOLAN'S DEATH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21457, 3 April 1933, Page 10

MR. H. 0. NOLAN'S DEATH

HiOMINENT HUSINESS MAN ASSOCIATION WITH RACING LONG CAREER IN AUCKLAND The death of Mr. Henry Octavius Nolan, which occurred at a private hospital on Saturday morning, removes one of tho most respected figures in the business and racing communities of Auckland, and one whoso exceptionally kindly disposition secured for him tho affection of all who knew him. Mr. Nolan, who had been president of tho Auckland Racing Club since the resignation of Sir Edwin Mitchelson early last year, had a record of over 40 years' service in the control of racing. Born at Bathurst, New South W ales, in December, 1863, Mr. Nolan came to Auckland with his parents as a child of three. His father, Mr. David Nolan, for many years afterward a well-known auctioneer and stock agent, sot up in business soon after his arrival, and in due course entered into partnership with Mr. William Hunter to found the successful firm of Hunter and Nolan. Mr. Nolan, senr., had the distinction of introducing Ayrshire cattlo into New Zealand and for many years won prizes with his pedigree stock. Commercial Life Mr H 0. Nolan was educated at tho Church of England Grammar School, Parnell, and at the age of 14 was introduced to a commercial career. Two years later he joined his elder brother, the late Sir Robert Nolan on the West Coast, but after a period returned to Auckland and entered the service of his father's firm. For a number of years ho was associated as auctioneer with the lato Mr. J. U. A. Philson, who was regarded as one of the best salesmen of his day. The firm conducted numerous important sales of bloodstock, and under Mr. .Nolan's hammer passed many thoroughbreds that later became famous. At the clearing sale'of the Sylvia Park stud he obtained 1700 and 1500 guineas respectively for the well-known imported sires Seaton Delaval and San Francisco. After the death of Mr. Hunter, Mr. Nolan was principal assistant to his father, and when the business of the firm was sold about 1900 to the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company he was retained as head of tho latter's stock department in Auckland. This position he held until early in 1920, when he succeeded Mr. Frank Bodle as manager. In July, IJ/o, no retired, and was appointed a member of the company's New Zealand advisory board, a position he held for the remainder of his life. Keen Interest In Sport Always keenly interested in sport, Mr. Nolan was a member of the Pakuranga Hunt Club from boyhood and rode regularly to hounds until about 30 years ago. He was also an early member of the Auckland Racing Club, and was appointed to its committee about lbJ*, becoming a steward in 1896, subsequently vice-president and eventually president. He was also a vice-president of the New Zealand Racing Conference, and chairman of the Auckland District Committee. , In earlier days, when polo was played in the vicinity of Auckland, Mr. a n served as president of the Auckland Polo Club and vice-president of tho Remuera Club. He was a life member of the former club. Mr. Nolan was for three years president of tho Northern Club, and at his death was a director of the South British Insurance Company, the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company. Limited, and Northern Properties, Limited. As a member of the Anglican Church he took a keen and generous interest in its social activities. Mr. Nolan is survived by Mrs. Nolan, one son, Mr. Eric Nolan, who is engaged in farming, a daughter, Mrs. Ambrose Spong, who resides in England, and two grandchildren. Tho funeral will take place this afternoon at 2.30 from Mr. Nolan's late residence, Mount St. John Avenue, tho interment being at Purewa Cemetery. Over the week-end the flags of organisations with which he had been connected were llown at half-mast.