MR. G. V. PEARCE DEAD

Taranaki Daily News, 3 June 1935, Page 4

MR. G. V. PEARCE DEAD

11 YEARS M.P. FOR PATEA LONG SERVICE ON LOCAL BODIES. DISTINCTION GAINED AS ATHLETE. PLAYED RUGBY FOR TARANAKI. Mr. George Vater Pearce, formerly member of Parliament for Patea, died yesterday at his home, “Wereroa, Waitotara, at the age of 74. He served on local bodies as well as in Parliament and was a noted athlete. Mr. Pearce was born in Devonshire, England, and was the son of Mr. Robert B. Pearce. He was educated at the Barnstaple Grammar School and, on leaving school in 1878, came to New Zealand. He settled in the Patea district and conducted successful farming operations. In 1893 Mr. Pearce married a Miss Powdrell. Both as a footballer and a runner Mr. Pearce gained distinction. He represented Taranaki at Rugby and was a champion mile runner, winning important events at New Plymouth, Hawera, Patea, Wanganui and Feilding. He held the Patea seat in Parliament for 11 years, one of the longest terms of office of those who have represented this widespread constituency. Entering Parliament in 1908 in the Reform interest, he held office till 1919 when he stood as a Liberal and was defeated by, the Reform candidate, the late Mr. W. D. Powdrell.

In 1931 Mr. Pearce was announced as an independent Liberal candidate for Patea. He was, however, one of the leading advocates of Some measure of fusion between Reform and United. On the Coalition being effected he withdrew in favour of the sitting member, Mr. H. G. Dickie, the Reform candidate. Mr. Pearce sat on the Patea County Council for many years and was chairman for 13 years. He was also chairman of the Patea Harbour Board for a long period. He was a director and chairman of directors of the old Patea Freezing Works Company. “Castlehill," Kakaramea, was Mr. Pearce’s home for a long period. A few years ago, however, he erected a striking new residence just south of Waitotara on the main road and it was here that he died following an attack of pneumonia.

He leaves one son and two daughters.