OBITUARY

Southland Times, Issue 21362, 7 April 1931, Page 5

OBITUARY

MR P. R. STEWART (HAMILTON). (From a Correspondent). Many striking tributes have been paid h’ - the Press throughput the Dominion to the late Mr Peter Robertson Stewart, manager of the Hamilton branch of the National Bank of New Zealand, whose death recently occurred at his home, Hardley Street, Whitiora. The deceased was a son of the late 'Dr Alexander Stcw.art, one of Otago’s earliest medical men, and was born in Lawrence, Otago, 59 years ago. At the age of 19 he. entered the service of the National Bank in Dunedin and had since been stationed at various places, including Port Chalmers, Dunedin North, Tapanui, Stratford and Hokitika., before being appointed to the Hamilton branch. He was due to retire next September. , Through a long illness as a yopth Mr Stewart was debarred from taking an active part in outdoor games, but he was a keen supporter of all forms of sport. He was also a prominent Rotarian, and Orphan and had been a president in each of these organisations. .He was on the committee of the Hamilton Beautifying Society, in which sphere his natural bent for gardening found full scope. Mr Stewart had a life-long love for flowers, and his skill and ardour in horticulture was shown in the various towns in ■ which *he dwelt by ■ his habit of planting and tending gardens in what before had been bare and unattractive places. In some cases, - indeed, these, plots ■ have become widely known, and it is perhaps not overstating the case; when it is said that he was one of the most successful amateur gardeners in the Dominion.

In speaking of the deceased, the Waikato Times said: “He was a typical descendant of -the early Scottish pioneers, broad in his outlook, honest in his opinions, genuine in his dealings with all men and the' soul of kindliness. In l the words of one who knew him intimately, 'he' was one of nature’s gentlemen. I never knew him to use a harsh word to anyone and his kindly help and sympathy were always available to those most in need.’ This eulogy would be confirmed by even his slightest acquaintance. He was a man of sterling worth, one who disdained the mean and trivial and acted in a big way which stamped him with •the hallmark of sincerity” Dr H. Douglas, president of the Rotary Club in Hamilton, in referring to the deceased gentleman said: “He never sought the limelight,' but he was a good friend to everybody. Not only as a member of this club but throughout the community, he has left the world richer by his presence.” Mr Stewart is survived by his wife (formerly Miss Christina McLaren, of Milton, Otago), a sister, Mrs M. K. Bevin, Whitiora, and a brother; Mr J: A. Stewart of Ocean Beach, Southland. -■