OBITUARY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 9086, 19 May 1891, Page 2

OBITUARY.

DEATH OF MR G. P. PrERCE., The New Zealand Herald says: — "The annonncement that Mr G. P. Pierce, the general manager of tho New Zealand Insurance Company, died suddenly on Sunday afternoon, while walking in the Waikomiti Cemetery with his wife, caused a very general feeling of regret in all circles to which the fact became known on Saturday evening. Mr Pierce had latterly enjoyed only fair health. Some time ago he had one or two severe attacks of rheumatism (Dr Orpen being his medical attendant), but it was supposed that a prolonged visit to the Te Aroha Baths had set him up. Some years ago he hud erected a summer residence at Lake Takapuna, but from which he had returned to hia town residence before Easter, feeling much better for his stay in that salubrious locality. The late Mr George Patrick Pierce was a native of Devonshire, England, and born at Plymouth. He was a son of tha late Captain Pierce, Mi" His mythor only

died eighteen months ago at the ago of 91, and last year Mr Pierce placed a memorial window in St. Sepulchre's in remembrance of his honoured parents. While a lad he went to Ireland, to' which his parents had removed. Ho was subsequently connected with the firm of Smith, Elder, and Co. About 35 years ago he arrived in Auckland, and became a member of the firm of Bain, Pierce, and Co.. which traded in Auckland for some time.' Subsequently he retired, and became first local manager and then general manager of the New Zealand Insurance Company — posts which he occupied with conspicuous ability and success. Prom his first arrival in Auckland he identified himself with church work, and gained the respect and esteem of the Bishop of JSfew Zealand. In 1865 ho joined witii four other gentlemen — Messrs John Robertson, John Kelly, J. A. Gilfillan, and Captain Salmon— of which Mr John Robertson, is now the^mly survivor, in building old St. Sepulcnre's Church, with Bishop Selwyn. From that day to this ho has been closoly associated with the church, and always a member of its vostry, having several times been churchwarden. On variouß occasions he was elected a member of the General Synod, and has also served regularly aa a member for his parish in the Diocesan Synod. As long as he was willing to hold the offco, he was a raembor of the Standing Committee of the diocese, and for many years past has been diocesan nominator, in conjunction with Archdeacon Maunsell. He was a member of the Standing Commission of the General Synod, and one of the Bishop's assessors for this diocese. Of the Orphan Home, Parnell, he has been the secretary almost since the days of Archdeacon Lloyd, its founder. In fact, there was scarce an office of trust in connection with church work which he had not filled, his name being synonymous with honesty and integrity The deceased gentleman was twice married, his eldest surviving son by the first marriage, Mr George Nelson Pierce, is manager of the New Zealand Insurance Company at Napier, and there are eight children by the second marriage — throe sons and five daughters. The two eldest daughters are away from home at present, one at the Kaipara and the other at Dunedin. Mr Pierce was related by his first marriage to Captain Hector, of the P. and 0. Company, who lately visited Auckland. Mr G. P. Pierce was not only an old Freemason, but one of the most distinguished members of the craft in the colony. A mason he livod and a Mason he died, and there is not a brother throughout New Zealand but will learn with deep and sincere feelings of regret of the painfully sudden death of Brother G. P. Pierce, P.G.M. of the Irish Constitution in New •Zealand. The sad occurrence to the members of the Church of England, and especially to the members of St. Sepulchre's, Auckland, was the shock of a great bereavement. Archdeacon Dudley made a brief allusion at the evening service on Sunday to the sad occurrence, and asked the sympath jr and prayers of all the parishioners on behalf of the family so suddenly bereaved. Appropriate music was played by Mr V. E. Rice, the organist, as the congregation retired.