OBITUARY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20493, 11 August 1936, Page 3

OBITUARY

The death of Mr George William Talbot has removed a highly respected resident of the Mackenzie County who had a long association wth the district. Mr Talbot was the second son of the late Mr John Talbot of “Woodlands,” Temuka, and was bom at Temuka in 1874. He received his education at the Temuka school, and during his school days he became afflicted with a malady which laid him on a bed of suffering for two years and necessitated serious surgical operations, in the course of which he was deprived of his left arm and was also left a cripple. His undaunted spirit however, enabled him to surmount those great handicaps bravely, and there was little he was not able to accomplish if he wished. He was proficient with carpenters’ tools, even to the erection of sheds; but he gave most of his attention to the care of stock. Mr Talbot arrived in the Fairlie district in 1890, with his brother, Mr C. J. Talbot to take charge of a property their father had acquired on the Brothers range. Shortly after the Great War, they took over the property in partnership. Although he always took a keen and intelligent interest in current events and held strong views of his own upon them, Mr Talbot practically refrained from entering public life. He was, however, a member of Stephen’s Church choir and vestry for many years. About 25 years ago his church inaugurated the Fairlie Spring Flower Show and Mr Talbot was the first secretary, holding that position until the time of his death. He was also a foundation member of the Mackenzie A. and P. Society, and was a class steward at every annual show held. His love of gardening and his success in that hobby at his own home led to his being placed in charge of the garden, orchard and miscellaneous classes. The Society later added a section for flowers, and to Mr Talbot was given the task of inaugurating and controlling the classes. Mr Talbot will be missed as a neighbour willing to be of service at any time in a friendly and helpful way. As a visitor to Fairlie and to the stock sales, many friends will regret his absence; and as a companion and wise counsellor, those more closely associated with him will have experienced a great loss in his passing. Mr Talbot never married.