OBITUARY

Southland Times, Issue 24339, 21 January 1941, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR OSWALD RICE The death occurred in Invercargill on Sunday of Mr Oswald Rice, at the age of 75. Mr Rice was the founder lof the Invercargill confectionery firm I of Rice Brothers, Limited. j Mr Rice was born in Bristol, Eng- ■ land, in 18G5. His father, Mr Thomas i Rice, emigrated to New Zealand with i his family of six sons and six daughters and arrived and settled at Dunedin in 1877. Mr Thomas Rice was a pioneer of the confectionery business in New Zealand. Later four ol his sons carried on the trade in various parts of the Dominion. Before settling in Invercargill 45 years ago, Mr Oswald Rice had establishments in Oamaru, Timaru and Greymouth. In Greymouth Mr Rice married Miss Amy Theresa Brown. He did not take a prominent part in public affairs, but was highly respected by his business associates and friends. He was one of the early members of the Waihopai Bowling Club and in his younger days was a keen cyclist. He won many road and track events at Oamaru in the days of the pennyfarthing bicycle. Mr Rice is survived by his wife, two sons, Messrs Percy and Oswald Rice (Invercargill), foui- sisters, Mrs H. Flower (Perth), Mrs R. Parr (Timaru), Mrs G. Bradley (England), and Miss L. Rice (Johannesburg), and two brothers, Messrs Stanley Rice (Wyndham) and Ernest Rice (Johannesburg). During the bowling tournament at Waihopai yesterday the flag was flown at half-mast as a mark of respect. MR J. E. SHEPHERD The death has occurred in Invercargill of Mr James Ernest Shepherd at the age of 58. Mi- Shepherd was educated at the Catholic Parish School in Invercargill and was taught by Mr Michael Gilfedder, a former judge of the Native Land Court, and the late Mr H. McSherry. He spent practically the whole t of his life in the city, although he was overseas for three years with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade during the Great War. He was a member of the old Athletic Rugby team and was a prominent forward. He had the distinction of being one of the lightest front row players ever to play in club or representative fixtures. The funeral service was conducted at the Eastern Cemetery by the Rev. Father McKay. Representatives of the Returned Soldiers’ Association were present.