OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21995, 3 July 1933, Page 9

OBITUARY

MR GEORGE UPTON FIELD A link in the chain of that fast diminishing band of worthy pioneers 1 was broken by the death at Earnscleugh , on June 24 of Mr George Upton Field, j who had reached the uncommon age of i !>8 years. Born in Chichester, Sussex, j England, on January 30, 1835, Mr Field emigrated to Australia when 19 years of age. 'With a companion he carried his swag for a week in search of work. In disgust they then left for New Zealand, where they found congenial employment. They worked at woolclassing and general work for some time, but the lure of gold soon attracted their attention, and they became engaged in mining operations for live years at Maori Gully, Ida Valley. Mr Field then took up land at Ida Valley—-some of the first land taken up in that district—and farmed the property for some years. Upon selling out he removed to the Alexandra ■ district, where he remained for the rest of his life, i Mr Field’s first venture in the Alexandra district was as proprietor of Butchers’ Gully Hotel, which he held for seven years. During his ownership of it the building was destroyed by lire, but he re-erected a new stone building,

which is still standing. After disposing of the hotel business he acquired Buckley’s coal mine in Blackman’s Gully, and worked it for a period until, having trouble with it, he abandoned it and again turned his attention to gold mining in the same locality. In this venture he was more than usually successful.

Mr Field was passionately fond of animals, particularly horses and dogs, As a breeder he gained considerable repute, and, as an exhibitor, was successful in many rings. His last grey pony, which died last year, aged 31, won him a host of prizes during its lifetime. Not only in the show ring, but also on the track, did Mr Field try his skill with horses of his own breeding. His daughter acted as jockey and trainer, and several times had no difficulty in being first past the post at district meetings. He also bred ponies of a hardy type, some even finding their way to Kaitangata to be used underground in the mine. Successful also as a breeder of greyhounds, he and Mr Fred Gay were familiar figures at coursing events throughout Central Otago. Mr Field was married about 1870 to Miss Wayman, daughter of Mr Thomas Wayman, of Tasmania. The family consisted of two daughters—Mrs M'Arthur, who died 22 years ago, and Mrs M. P. M'Ginnis, of Earnscleugh. Five years ago, when Mr Field was 93 years of age, he went, not by motor car or train, but per medium of his faithful pony and gig, to Dunedin, Southland, and then Oamaru for a holiday, and renewed many old acquaintances en route, and incidentally caused a great deal of interest, especially among the younger generation. As an instance of his resolution it may be mentioned that, at the age of 88, he underwent a serious operation in Dunedin, this being neces-. sitated by an accident, and recovered in what was said to be record time. There was not a more familiar figure in the sporting world in Central Otago during the past 50 years than that of Mr George Field, and his interest in sport of all kinds was maintained until the end. He was very fond of children, especially of later years, a keen reader, with a wide knowledge of men and affairs generally, and was possessed of an interesting fund of reminiscences. As a dealer in horses he showed great business acumen and sagacity. He lived a very full and active life, had a particularly robust and healthy constitution, and an unusually cheerful nature and outlook on life. Although he did not achieve his heart’s desire to live the century, he was blessed with good health during" his long life, and retained all his faculties until the end. Only a week before his death did his health break down, and during his illness, as throughout his life, he was attended by his devoted daughter and grand-daughter, who ministered to his every want with loving care and kindness.

His remains were laid to rest in Alexandra Cemetery, Jjeside his wife, who predeceased him 35 years ago, and a large concourse of mourners showed the esteem, and regard in which he was held. Four grandsons acted as pallbearers. The service at the graveside was impressively conducted by the Rev. A. B. Pywell. x „ CRIMEAN WAR VETERAN (Per Unites. I’ress Association.) WELLINGTON, July 1. News was received in Wellington today that Sergeant-major James Sandbrook, a Crimean and Maori war veteran, had passed away at Devonport, Auckland, at the age of over 100 years. Sergeant-major Sandbrook was formerly orderly to Sir Donald M‘Lean. He was a messenger in the Parliamentary Buildings for many years.