OBITUARY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8768, 21 March 1907, Page 2

OBITUARY.

Mr Samuel Gibbons. W® regrot to record the death of Mr Samuel Gibbons, sen,, which too'? place at his late residence, “Armagh ' douse, * 1 Marten, at about 11.80 last night. Deceased was 64 years of ago, and had enjoyed excelent health till about twelve weeks ago, when his term of usefulness was suddenly out short through internal troubles, which were the ultimate, cause o. death. The late Mr Gibbons was universally esteemed by all who knew him, and the news of his death will bo received everywhere with regret. He was known in all parts of the district as a man of generous and kindly feeling. His life was a strenuous one, and by hard work and indomitable will ho surmounted his .early reverses. Ho had a large share in building up tho prosperity Of Martou and tho surrounding district. Mr Gibbons showed a keen interest in the leading questions of the day, aud took a a very active part, in local politics. As a member of Martou Borough Council for a period extending over' 30 years he was diligent, attentive to his ditties, courteous, aud at the same time firm; indeed, ho exhibited all those qualities which make a man popular with fellow Councillors and residents. It. is but a few weeks ago that Mr Gibbous was a representative on the Council. Ho would have been a member up till tho time of bis death but for tho legal decision which rendered his seat vacant owing to his having voted on a motion affecting his own monetary interest. Mr Gibbous took a liberal and practical interest in the Fire Brigade, which he commanded for a number of years. Ho was a prominent delegate to tho conference on many occasions, and took several teams to tho demonstrations. But for the financial support always cheerfully rendered by Mr Gibbous the brigade would have been uou-oxisteut long ago. Since his retirement from the captaincy his relationship with the brigade has always been most cordial. He was a vice-president aud trustee of Martou Jockey Club. The late Mr Gibbous was a member of the Masonic fraternity, aud was one of the founders of Lodge Ruapehu. He was a member of tho Foresters’ 1 Court for over 30 years, and lias been 1 a trustee of the Court for about 20 1 years. He was also a member of the 1 Morgan Lodge, U.A.0.D., having ' joined at the time of its formation. 1 Ho was a representative of Martou 1 Borough Council for six years, on the 1 "Wanganui Hospital and Charitable > Aid J Board. Deceased was born in > County Armagh, North of Irealnd, ; in 1843, and arrived in Auckland > when 16 years of ago. Ho was a car-. ! peuter by trade aud served his ap- • preuticeship in tho Northern city, J after which he left for Wellington, l aud at once came on to this district, ’ having walked tho long journey ■ along the coast. Ho worked at his 1 trade for a short time, aud it is in- ■ terostiug to note that the Catholic ■ Church at Bulls aud tho residence at 1 Burnside wore built by him. Thirty- v, 1 two years ago Mr Gibbous turned ‘ his attention to hotel-keeping, and ’ first wont into the Martou Hotel. Ho afterwards built tho Railway Hotel at Pukepapa station, aud ass stuned the proprietorship of that D place, but ouly remained there for a ‘ short time. He then purchased the e White Hart Hotel from Mr T. Trice P and was extremely successful aud popular at this hostelry. About four 0 years ago his interest transferred to 0 his sou—Mr Samuel J. Gibbons —aud deceased then retired into private life, having built a flue residence on tho Upper Tutaenui road. To the - bereaved widow and family of nine' grown up children heartfelt auct cordial sympathy will be extended by a large circle of friends. The funeral will leave “Armagh House’’ on Saturday at 3.30 o’clock.