OBITUARY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22608, 22 December 1936, Page 12

OBITUARY

MR. G. E. CLUETT A link with the sailing-ship era was broken by the recent death at his home in St. John's Road, Riinuera, of Mr. George Edward Cluett. The son of a dockyard official, Mr. Cluett was born at Portsmouth and received his early education at the historic grammar school there. He began to study for the profession of a naval architect, but before long decided to go to sea. As a boy he sailed in the Zealandia, one of the five clipper-built iron ships which the Shaw-Savill Company maintained for many years in the New Zealand trade, and he was on board her on a Homeward voyage in 1872 when a huge sea off Cape Horn descended upon the poop and washed overboard the master, Captain James White, and several others.

Mr. Cluett continued in several vessels of the same line, but after obtaining his second oHieer's ticket he [eft the sea and made his home in New Zealand, following a number of occupations in the Auckland and laranaki districts. Ho resided in Auckland for many years prior to his death, and was well known as the inventor and patentee of a system of clips for securing concrete reinforcing bars. As a young man ho took a keen interest in boating and swimming, and at the age of 16 was awarded the Royal Humane Societv's medal for saving a man from drowning at the launching of a ship at Portsmouth. Mr. Cluett married Miss Isabel M. Peacocke, the New Zealand author, who survives him.

MR. A. W. LEGGE The death has occurred in Auckland of Mr. Albert William Lcgge, one of the original Albertland settlers. As ,-v voung man Mr. Legge worked at Nicholson's mill, Port Albert, and then in the sawmills at Te Kopuru. Well known as an all-round sportsman, he took part in cricket, football and rowing For several years he was engaged farming in the Birkdale district, late/ retiring to Auckland. He is survived by his wife and one son.

MR. W. A. ALISON [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPOND ENT J WHANGAREI, Monday The death occurred last evening of Mr. William Archibald Alison, of the Mangakahia district, aged 68 years. Born at Waipuy he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. D. Alison, who were among the early arrivals from Nova Scotia. Mr. Alison was one of the first white settlers in the Mangakahia district, where he spent most of his life. Ho worked as a carpenter, and later as a land agent. Mr. Alison married Alisa Ann Wharepapa, a daughter of the paramount chief of the Ngapuhi tribe, who was selected to represent the tribe at Queen Victoria's jubilee. After the death of his wife, lie married Mary Poutai, who survives him. He had largo holdings in the Pakotai district, and also had 4000 acres in Parakao. Mr. AI ison was keenly interested in all forms of sport, and had done much toward the advancement of the Mangakahia district. Thero is a large family.