DEATH OF MR. A. W. REES.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 15409, 3 January 1921, Page 3

DEATH OF MR. A. W. REES.

With deep regret we record the deatli of Mr Arthur Westland Rees, second son of the late Mr IV. L. and Mrs Rees, which occurred at his residence, Ormond road, at an, early hour on New Year’s morning. Mr Rees had been in illhealth for some months, and the end was not unexpected, though it came as a great shock to all his friends, and much regret has been expressed at the passing of a citizen of sterling worth and a man who iwas regarded with the highest honor in his profession. The funeral, which took place yesterday afternoon at Taruhcru cemetery, was attended by a large number of the deceased gentleman s friends, and many beautiful floral emblems which co veil'd the casket contained messages of sorrow and sympathy. 1 The Rev. It. Packs conducted the burial service.

Mr A. W. Bees Wjis born at, Hokitika on September 8, 1866. He was educated at Auckland Grammar School, and in IS&S went to England’ and entered at Cains College, Cambridge. He returned to New Zealand in 1889. and was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 1890. In 1892 lie went to Napier ami practised in partnership with 1 iis father there fur a short period ; then returned to Gisborne and in partnership with his elder brother, Lincoln, the firm of Rees Brothers was established. In 1893 he married Miss Crawford, daughter of the late Mr W. P. Crawford, by whom he is survived, with a family of one son and three daughters. The firm of Rees Brothers continued until 1904, when Mr Lincoln Rees went out, and then, Mr Harold Bright joined as a partner, and the firm was known as Rees Brothers and Bright, and later with the inclusion of Mr. Wauchop became known as Rees, Bright and Wauchop. Amongst the profession Mr Rees d’as recognised as a sound, lawyer and a map of the utmost integrity and honor. The esteem in which lie was held by his brethren of the law was signified by their largo representation at the funeral several of them officiating as pall-bearers. For a quarter of a century Mr. Rees had been a trustee of the Manchester Unity Lodge of Oddfellows, and respect to his memory was paid by Bros. T. Adair, P.G., C. H. Ambridge, P.D.G.M., A. P. Hailey, P.G., and A. W. Horne, who represented the lodge at the graveside. In public matters the late Mr. Rees did not seek the limelight, though lie was a member of the Borough Council for a period of two years. lie was recently president of the Poverty Bay Club, and for 11 years served as honorary treasurer and. member of the committee of the club. ITe represented Poverty Bay, Hawke’s Bay, and Auckland at football, and, was recognised as one of tlie best half-hacks in New Zealand. Whilst at Cambridge he was first emergency for his university. In cricket he represented Auckland, Poverty Bay and Hawke's Bay, and was regarded as one of the finest left-hand medium bowlers in New Zealand. For many years at the family home at- To Hnpara, the la tig Mr. W. L. Rees and his sons maintained an excellent cricket pitch. where district matches were played, the Rees family and relatives frequently putting into the field a. first-class team. Tn later life. though not actively participating, he took a great interest in all forms of sport. Devoted to his family, a good father and a good citizen, lie was a man of sterling worth such as the district can ill afford to lose. To his widow and family (including Mr Gilbert Rees. Mrs A. J. White, Miss Rees and Miss May Rees) the utmost sympathy will be extended.