OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25735, 5 January 1945, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR JOHN GEORGE

Mr John George, who had been closely associated with local body affairs in Central Otago for many years and was a member of the Otago Hospital Board, died in the Dunedin Hospital last evening. Mr George was taken ill early in December when on’ a visit to attend a meeUng of the Hospital Board, artd although his condition was known to be serious, his death came as a shock to a wide circle of friends. He was born in Roxburgh 62 vears ago, being a son of the late Mr Peter George, an early settler in the district. He was educated at the Roxburgh Public School, and for some years was engaged in gold mining, About 35 years ago he purchased an orchard In Roxburgh and became one of the leading fruitgrowers in Central Otago, taking a keen interest in the affairs of the industry. For many years he was president of the Teviot Fruitgrowers’ Association, chairman of the Teviot Transport Company, and chairman of the Central Otago Transport Operators’ Association. He was a member of the Roxburgh School Committee for 28 years, and one of the foundation members of the Teviot Electric Power Board. He was a member of the King George V Health Camp Committee, the member for the Teviot Riding on the Tuapeka County Council, and the representative of the Tuapeka County on the Otago Hospital Board. He took a keen interest in politics, and at the time of his death was treasurer of the Central .Otago branch of the National Party. He was trustee of the Loyal Roxburgh Lodge M.U.1.0.0.F., and a leading member of Lodge Teviot. He leaves one son and four daughters, all of whom arc married. One son was killed in Crete. In a tribute to Mr George, the chairman of the Otago Hospital Board, Dr D. G. McMillan, said last night: “Mr George’s death comes as a shock to Hospital Board members, by all of whom he was respected for his straightforwardness and honesty of purpose. All members showed a deep affection for him because of his human and realistic sympathy for his fellow-men. His death at this period is most untimely, as he was just beginning to experience that satisfaction which comes from seeing dreams and hopes become a reality. An unceasing advocate for the provision of a doctor’s residence at Tapanui, he was about to witness the commencement of that work. An equally ardent propagandist for a new hospital at Roxburgh, he had - the pleasure recently of seeing the board purchase the site and instruct its architect to proceed with the plans. It is mv great regret that he has not lived to’ see these projects completed, but when they are I am sure that the name of Mr George, who has been responsible for tlielr beginning, will be associated with them in some practical way. Loved by his friends and associates, respected bv all who came in contact with him. Mr George will be remembered as a worthy representative of the pioneers who have done so much to develop Dunedin’s rural areas. To his relatives we express our deep and sincere sympathy.