DEATH OF MR F. H. PYNE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 565, 1 December 1915, Page 3

DEATH OF MR F. H. PYNE.

AN ESTEEMED CITIZEN. Sincere regret was felt in the city to-day when it became known that Mr F. H. Pyne, of the well-known firm of Pyne and Co., had passed away. Mr Pyne had been in illhealth for some considerable time, but it was hoped that he would recover, and that the community would still have the services of a gentleman whose qualities were such that he could ill be spared. Mr Pyne, who was a son of the Rev. Alfred Pyne, vicar of Roydon,

Essex, was born in England, and came to New Zealand in 1878. For some years he was associated with the firm of J. M. Hey wood and Co., and subsequently started an auctioneering business in conjunction with Mr A. Boyle. He has always taken a keen interest in racing and has owned and raced many useful horses. He has been intimately associated with the management of the Canterbury Jockey Club as committeeman, steward, and treasurer, while at one time he was one of the handicapping committee. Referring to Mr Pyne's career as a bloodstock salesman, the "World of Sport" designates him the "Tattcrsall of Canterbury," and asserts that he was right at the head of his profession. Some of the most successful sires and matrons that ever changed hands in New Zealand, and innumerable high-class racehorses came under his hammer. No New Zealand stock auctioneer has dealt with so many juveniles that have turned out bargains. Amongst the most notable sales he effected were those of Merrie England, Rupee, Apremont, St. George, Vanguard, Clanranald, July, Loyalty, Bonnie Scotland, JLochiel, Chainshot, Ravenswing, Diulu, Boris, Indian Queen, and Liberator. At the recent New Zealand Cup Meeting, Mr Pyne's popular colours were greatly in evidence. With Killena he won the Irwell Handicap, while, in conjunction with his racing partner, Mr A. Boyle, he appropriated the Randolph Handicap, through the agency of Margerine, who had previously finished second to Charleville in-the Linwood Handicap. * Mr Pyne had not lately taken an active part in^public.affairs, except that he acted as treasurer of the Belgium Relief Fund. He worked assiduously and enthusiastically in the interests of that fund, and to his self-sacrificing efforts much of its success could be attributed. Personally, Mr Pyne was not only highly esteemed and respected, but he was cordially liked'by those who had to do with him, cither in business or private affairs. His personal qualities were reflected' in his invariable courteous manner, as he was, in the best sense of the word, a gentlemanly man. His death will be most sincerely regretted in a circle of friends which has no mere provincial boundaries.