OBITUARY

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLXI, Issue 15075, 22 June 1942, Page 2

OBITUARY

MR G. O. C. OXLEY, The passing of Mr George Oliver Cromwell Oxley, which sad event occurred on Thursday evening last, removes from our midst one of the most striking personalities in the district. For more than half a century the late Mr Oxley had been one of our most prominent and successful business men, and there were very few movements initiated in Pahiatua for the welfare and progress of the district with which he was not intimately connected. Some fifteen of twenty years ago no social entertainment in the district was considered complete without the name of Mr George Oxley figuring prominately on its programme. He was not only a brilliant elocutionist but a ready and witty speaker. He was a. highly popular figure at smoke concerts and was a delightful raconteur. The late Mr Oxley was born ap Nelson 74 years ago and came to Pahiatua. when a young man of 22, establishing a watch making and jewellery business in Main Street, which grew and flourished with the passing of the years. Mr Oxley was enthusiastically interested in fistic matters, acting as timekeeper at all the principal bouts held in Pahiatua, and was always a generous donor of trophies. He was a very proud man when his third son now Private Ted Oxley, serving overseas, annexed the lightweight professional champion snip of New Zealand. He was a member of the old Pahiatua Mounted Rifles and was an excellent shot. His chief relaxation in later life was carpentry work at which he was remarkably skilful. The deceased was the happy possessor of a most genial disposition and in all his business transactions lie was the very soul of honesty. He was a true friend and had a most likable nature. He will be missed. The funeral took place at the Mangatainoka Cemeterjv on Saturday afternoon and was largely attended. Prior to the internment a service was held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church and was conducted by j the Rev. K. F. Button. Speaking with a good deal of fealing Mr Button delivered a most impressive panegyric on the good qualities of the deceased. The deceased, said the speaker, was a most unusual man, said most unusual things and was a deep and highly original thinker. Mr Button concluded by remarking. j ‘'Mr Oxley leaves behind him a j striking memory.’ The pall bearers were Messrs J. \V. Sturton, T. W. ' Watts, F. J. Hill (son-in-law. Wan- 1 ganuuit, D. Berry, F. J. Blake, (son- j in-law, Wanganui), and T. Stanley. ] There were many beautiful flora! j tributes, including wreaths from ; ih t Pahiatua Boxing Association and j “Comrades of the old. Pahiatua j Mounted Rifies.” The late Mr Oxley, whose wife I r.‘deceased him some few years ago, is survived by one daughter, Mrs F. J. Blake, Waugip'.Mii • five sons. Private O. (Sock) Oxley. M.M.. j Pahiatua, invalided home, R. Oxley, j Pahiatua. Privates F. Oxley and E l Oxley, serving overseas, and M. Ox- j ley, Palmerston North.