DEATH OF MR. R. H. PIGOTT

Taranaki Daily News, 11 August 1932, Page 7

DEATH OF MR. R. H. PIGOTT

LOSS TO URENUI DISTRICT

COUNTY CHAIRMAN FOR 25 YEARS. PROMINENT IN PUBLIC SERVICE. Born on the rock of Gibraltar and subsequently coming to Taranaki, where he became established as probably the best known resident of Urenui, Mr. R. H. Pigott died at the New Plymouth hospital yesterday after a protracted illness. The esteem in which he was held is reflected in the fact that he was chairman of the Clifton County Council for a quarter of a century, and by his passing the district has sustained a very great loss. Mr. Pigott’s father, Joseph Pigott, was a sergeant of the 15th Regiment, which was stationed in India for some time. Robert Henry Pigott was the only son, find was. educated at St. Lawrence’s School, Mount Abu, India. At the age of 15 he came to New Plymouth with his parents, and for 50 years he lived in the district. His father built the original Urenui Hotel, at the foot of the hill, and he erected the present hostelry on the higher ground in tho township. Later Mr. R. H. Pigott took up sheep farming and, since his close association with the development, of the district had brought a wide knowledge of the land and its capabilities, his services were frequently engaged by the Government and others as a valuer. In public life he served for many years en the Clifton County Council,- and was chairman for some 25 years. He was keenly interested in racing and for many years he acted as honorary judge for the Taranaki Jockey Club, of which body he was a steward at the time of his death. Ho was also a steward of the Taranaki Trotting Club, and at one time acted as judge at the Waitoitoi beach races. An old member of the Taranaxi A. and P. Society, -he had been chief steward for the ring events for a long period. In the affairs of the Urenui township he played a leading part. He was prominent in connection with, the development of the domain and was chairman of the Domain Board at the time of his-death. He was also- one. ofthe founders of the Urenui Bowling Club and bore a full share of the initial work. A keen churchman, Mr. Pigott was vicar’s warden in the Anglican Church for many years. It was liis father who started the movement to raise money for the erection of the first church. He was a great worker for patriotic’ objects during the war and won admiration for his unselfish efforts during' the -1918 epidemic, when he was frequently on his feet all day . and all night. He was a member of the Legion of -Frontiersmen. ' ‘ .... Mr. Pigott is survived by Jus wife fnee Miss .Sole, a daughter of Mr. William Sole, builder, New Plymouth; who came to New Zealand in the .Oriental), and four children; The' children are Mrs. S. A. Managh, and. Messrs. Gerald. Wiliiam and Ronald Pigott (all of Urenui). He also leaves four sisters, Mrs. F. Fuller (.Tongaporutu), Mrs. D. Ballantyne (Auckland), Mrs. A. Lee (New Plymouth), and Miss Pigott (Urenui). Mrs- M. E. Honeyfield (Onaero), who died only a few days ago, was another sister.