VETERAN LAWYER

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 214, 29 November 1927, Page 11

VETERAN LAWYER

WAIKATO PIONEER DIES MR. ARTHUR SWARBRICK (From Our Own Correspondent) HAMILTON, To-day. The death, of Mr. Arthur Swarbrick has removed one of the pioneers of the Waikato district. The senior partner in the firm of Swarbrick and Swarbrick, solicitors, Hamilton, lie had reached the age of 76 years. Mr. Swarbrick was born in buoy, England, and came to New Zealand when about 25 years of age. He took up farming at Kirikiriroa, now Claudelands, Hamilton. While farming, Mr. Swarbrick became connected with the law office of Mr. McGregor Hay, solicitor, Hamilton, and in 1892 he gave up his rural occupation and took over the practice of Mr. Hay. An authority on local-body government, he was solicitor to the Waikato County Council and Hamilton Borough Council and many other local bodies. In all activities of the community he took the keenest interest. He was the first president of the Hamilton Law Society, choirmaster at St. Peter’s Church, president of Hamilton’s first operatic society, managing director and secretary in 18S7 of Hamilton’s first dairy company, the Waikato Cheese and Bacon Company. He was I a foundation member of the Hamilton Club, a member of the Waikato Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and a steward of the Waikato Racing Club. In' church work he took a leading part, and when the Waikato Diocese was established last year Mr. Swarbrick was appointed diocesan chancellor, and in that capacity he officiated at the consecration of Bishop Cherrington on December 12. Other interests, over his interesting life, included amateur theatricals and various branches of sport. His work in improving the Hamilton domains is the most recent monument to his many public services. Mr. Swarbrick was in attendance at | his office up to a few weeks ago, ■rfhen I illness compelled him to relinquish work. He is survived by three sons and i a daughter, Messrs. F. A. Swarbrick, j L. P. Swarbrick, and H. A. Swarbrick, and Mrs. C. H. Holloway, of Hamilton. | Mrs. Swarbrick died last year. TRIBUTE FROM BAR Press Association. HAMILTON, To-day. The members of the Hamilton Bar to-day assembled in the Supreme : Court to pay a tribute to a late member. Mr. A. Swarbrick, whose death i occurred yesterday.