OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25964, 3 October 1945, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR R. T. SYMES The death occurred on Thursday evening of Mr R. T. Symes, of Fruitlands, who had been associated with that district for the past 60 years. Mr Symes was born at Blue Spur 80 years ago, and received his education at the school which was then serving that flourishing town, ship. He was one of a large, family, and at an early age commenced work as a battery bov in the quartz mines which were then flourishing in the Tuapeka district. At the age of 19 he was appointed

manager of White’s Reef at Bald Hill Flat (now Fruitlands). this reef being located about 1880. After a time he bought the mine himself and operated it with some success until about 15 years ago. when, with his sons, he purchased a faitm in the Fruitlands district. Mr Symes took a keen interest in the activities of the district, including the Fruitlands School, but his greatest interests were the Presbyterian Church and the Masonic Lodge, He had been a member of the church practically since going to the district, and was the Alexandra congregation's elder on the presbytery for a number of years. He was a' wellknown figure at the annual meeting of the General (Assembly of the church. As a Freemason he was highly esteemed occupying the chair of worshipful master of Lodge Manuherikla Kilwinning in 1922, and later he received Grand Lodge honours, and was a member of the Board of General Purposes. The deceased is survived by his widow, four daughters, and one son. His youngest son, Mr G. Symes, made the supreme sacrifice in the present war.