ANOTHER PIONEER PASSES

Putaruru Press, Volume XXI, Issue 1232, 29 May 1947, Page 7

ANOTHER PIONEER PASSES

MR. GEORGE JOHNSTON A Thorough Sport The death of Mr. George Johnston occurred somewhat suddenly on Friday at his home at Peria. Although he had been in ill health for some time -his death came as a shock to his great circle of friends, and especially to the sporting public of the province. He contracted pneumonia about eight days ago. George, as he was popularly termed foy almost every one who knew him, was a good farmer, and was at the back of almost any sport in the district for over 40 yea - s. He came from Northern Ireland as a youth, and after a period in business at Waihi took up the farm on which he died when the settlement was opened. He married Gertrude Flett, of Waihi, who survives him. George was a life member of the Matamata Racing Club, Matamata Club and the Matamata Golf Club. He was an original member of the racing club, and was for many years vice-president. He was repeatedly offered the position of president, but never actually sought the limelight, and in his many spheres of life was prepared to sea someone else take the higher honours. He did a lot for the Matamata district, without, as stated, looking for the limelight. It was through his generous action in allowing the use of his property that the game of golf was introduced to the district by ■the Rocky' Downs Golf duib. He more than lent his farm; he was a great host, and it was often that the clubhouse was neglected for the Johnston home. He was a sound executive member of the Racing Club and A. and P. Association. He was not loquacious, but when he spoke it was with shreiwd observation and he was always listened to.

iLike most Irishmen, George Johnston loved a good horse, and he was 1 fortunate in breeding and owning a number, but not so fortunate in his purchases. He had the satisfaction of breeding most of his winners, which included Ring Lupin, Ihapuna, Ihapofoa, Star of the East, Dobbin and Leitrim (named after the district in which he was 'horn). A few weeks ago he was at Te Aroha and Tauranga meetings to see his mar e, Rosslare, win on each occasion. Although the stakes were not big he got as much thrill out of these wins as if they had been Auckland Cups, because he bred the mare, the dam and the grandatti. George Johnston’s passing will leave an ache in many hearts, and the deepest sympathy will go out to his widow and popular family, which consists of Kathleen (Mrs. N. G. Wallace (Auckland), Earl (the amateur horseman, and owner of that good horse Exeter), Ella, of Matamata, Norman (Matamata and Waikato representative footballer), Jack and Gywmne (Matamata).