Popplewell—Sport and Philosopher

NZ Truth, Issue 1144, 3 November 1927, Page 4

Popplewell —Sport and Philosopher

OF course, wo know tho opulent metropolis and, it* hig--brother air of patronage towards tho lowly provincial town, But the small town is perfectly sure that it offers a wider sofJ|)*s tor U>e real amenities and joys of life than its husky relative of throbs and brigM; lights. Ask Dugald Popplewell, quite the best known ft mi ftV'Si- esteemed citizen of the southern town of Gore. He has missed fjfffe »t fha unfoldment supposed to accrue from tho wider contact of r,\\V life. "V*itf. h« is fl product of the stolid open spacos of Otago and practically -II his life has been spent m tho small towns. Educated at tho Christian Brothers School, oUH*rtifi» he qualified as a solicitor, ancl then looked round for a likely Spot to hang out his shingle. Goro came first m tho selection —a wise oho I tie for Dugald and quite a favorable event for Gore. An affinity was horn thqt ths passing of tho yeara has only strongthonod. Young Popplewell soon lot it be seen that if he looked to Gore to provide his daily noods, at loast ho was most anxious to do something m return. In no time was ho elected to the Borough Council. His fiery eloquence gave the greybeards a new and refreshing oonosption of the wonders and possibilities of their town. That was many years ago. Bince then "Popp" has filled tho mayoral chair so frequently that the burgesses might have ttaved the expense of elections by appointing him permanently and'been dorm with it. Goro may never send a Limerick to the Melbourne Cup, but for a country town it has a live Racing Club. President Popplewell haa handed over tho winning cup to more than one blushing owner at the local meeting. When a football club or athletic society begins to lag, tho situation is usually saved and despair lifted by prevailing upon "Popp." to take up tho burden of presidency. Volunteering m tho old days, tho A. and P. Society and tho Public Library are juat items m his public life. Ono particular hobby he reserves for his own heart's delight. He is a rapt enthusiast m botany and natural history. No more profound student is there of tho native flora; some exquisite and exotic blossoms will carry a reminder of his enthusiasm to future amateur gardeners. A broad human typo of tho true cosmopolitan, Popplewell is known as one who recognizes neither rank nor crood m his daily duties towards his fellows,