OBITUARY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19944, 31 October 1934, Page 5

OBITUARY

MAJOR S. WALTER Widespread regret was expressed in Timaru yesterday when news was received that Major Stephen Walter had died in St. George’s Hospital, Christchurch, after a brief illness. Major Walter, who resided with his wife at the Grand, did not play a prominent part in public life, but those with whom he came in contact knew him as a kindly, courteous English gentleman, who did a great deal of good work in an unobtrusive manner. He had a meritorious career in the Third Dragoon Guards, retiring with the rank of Major. His home district was East Farleigh, Kent. Major and Mrs Walter came to Timaru several years ago, and after a holiday trip Home returned to Timaru in 1929. Major Walter took an exceptionally keen interest in all sports activities, and was a regular attendant at Rugby and tennis fixtures. This year, when the Timaru Cricket Club was resuscitated, Major Walter was elected its president. He was a staunch supporter of the South Canterbury Hunt, and was a member of the committee for some years. In addition, he was also a member of the committee of the Timaru Horticultural Society, and did yeoman service at the shows held by that body. He joined the recently established Timaru Squash Racquets Clubs, and was a member of the South Canterbury Club. The deceased gentleman was a keen angler, and was a member of the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society. On his return from England in 1929 he joined the Timaru Golf Club, and although he did not take part in club matches, he played fairly regularly. He showed his practical interest in the club by financing the erection of two bridges over a deep bunker. It was very seldom that Major Walter was absent from matin? or evensong at St. Mary’s Church, and he was also a liberal supporter of all church activities.