OBITUARY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21910, 20 September 1934, Page 14

OBITUARY

MR. WIRI HARRISON FORMER RUGBY FOOTBALLER [ BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT] DARGAVILLE, Wednesday The death occurred in a private hospital this morning of Mr. Wiri Harrison, of Cambourne Road, Sandringham, a former Northern Wairoa and Auckland Rugby threequarter. Born in Northern Wairoa 60 years ago, Mr. Harrison was associated with the timber industry, and in his young days was in the employ of the Kauri Timber Company at its Aratapu mill. Later ho was engaged in rafting operations as master of the towing vessels Te Kopuru and Kairara. When the timber industry waned he moved to Auckland, where until very recently he was employed by the Kauri Timber Company. As a youth, Mr. Harrison displayed remarkable ability as a footballer. He was a member for several years of the old Aratapu Football Club and gained representative honours at Northern Wairoa in 1894. In those days football on the river was governed directly from the Auckland Rugby Union, and Mr. Harrison's prowess as a threequarter was brought under the notice of the union. In 1897 ho was chosen to represent Auckland against the All Black team just returned from Australia. In this match he played a great game and was subsequently picked for the Auckland touring team of that season, which was uridofeated. He continued to play for Auckland for a number of years, on one occasion as fullback for Auckland against one of the English visiting teams. Mr. Harrison did not confine himself to Rugby football, but was a good allround athlete, showing good form on the running track and as an oarsman, both of which sports flourished in Northern Wairoa in the early days, when there were hundreds of stalwart timber workers about. Deceased is survived by his wife, one son, Mr. William Harrison, of Dargaville, and one daughter, Mrs. Les. Mason, of Auckland.

ME. GEOROE W. ELLIOTT [from our own correspondent] •PUKEKOHE, Wednesday The death has occurred of Mr. George William Elliott, of Pokeno Valley, who was widely known in the Auckland district. Mr. Elliott, who was 67 years of age, was born in Sussex. His father, the late Mr. George Elliott, who was afterward on the staff of the New Zealand railways, came to this country when the son was a child, and the latter was educated at Parnell and Mercer. Later, as a young man, he served as a member or the Ponsonby Navals, one of the volunteer corps in Auckland in those days. He also gained prominence as a runner, winning many coveted trophies, and took a leading part in football. He settled at Waerenga. iri the Waikato, residing there for 23 years, when he removed to Pokeno Valley, whera he had since resided. At both places he was elected to the school committee. Mr. Elliott's interest in sport was maintained throughout life. He was a member of the Mangatawhiri Sports Club in recent years, and his trotting horses did well in trotting events at annual sports gatherings in the Franklin and Waikato counties. Mr. Elliott was recognised as a particularly capable farmer. Ho took an active part in fostering the progress of the Pokeno district, and was a member of the Pokeno Chamber of Commerce. He is survived by his wife, one son. Mr. C. Elliott (Pokeno and six daughters, Mcsdames G. Mabey (Papakura), J. Dalziel (Wnerenga), W. Hough (Orinv), H. Bentlev (East Tamaki). G. Biddick (Mount Roskilll and L. Grogan (Pokeno Valley). There are 19 grandchildren. MR. W. A. KALOHER [by- TETEGRAPTI —PRESS ASSOCIATION] CTIRISTCHURCH. Wednesday The death has occurred of Mr. William Alexander Kalcher, aged 62, of Balcairn, chairman of the Kowhai County Council, who was well known in the public life of North Canterbury. He was a member of the Manchester Unity Lodge, and a steward of the Amberley and North Canterbury Racing Clubs.

MR. W. O. GRAVE [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION'] OAMARU, Wednesday The death occurred this morning of Mr. William George Grave, aged 65, a partner in the legal firm of Messrs. Tvee, Grave, Grave and Zimmermann. He was formerly first-assistant master at Waitaki Boys' High School. Mr. Grave, in his younger days, was a noted pioneer in mountaineering and exploration in the Otago lake district. The Grave-Talbot track between Lake Wakatipu and Milford Sound is named after him. He was one of the first party to make an effort to climb Mount Til toko, and was accompanied by the late Dr. t Don. who was then rector of Waitaki High School, and Professor T, A Hunter, of Victoria University College, Wellington. Mr. Grave is survived by his widow and a large family.