OBITUARY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20768, 1 July 1937, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR ALEXANDER BAIRD A well-known figure in the Timaru building industry for many years, Mr Alexander Baird, died recently. Mr Baird, who was a partner in the original firm of W. Baird and Son, was born in Timaru, where he was educated. He was apprenticed to the trade after leaving school, and in later years carried on business in partnership with his brother, Mr James Baird. He was a keen member of the South Canterbury Master Builders’ Association and was president for a time. Although Mr Baird did not take an active interest in the public life of Timaru, he was always keen for the advancement of the town of hi's birth and gave unostentatious support to many organisations that had that object in view. He also worked quietly but effectively in the interests of charity and many have personal cause to remember his kindness. Mr Baird displayed keen interest in the work of the old Timaru Volunteers, and was a member for many years. He also was a member of the South Canterbury Jockey Club, and a prominent Mason, being a member of Lodge Caledonian. The esteem in which Mr Baird was held by all sections of the community was evident at the funeral, when a large gathering assembled to pay their respects. Many beautiful floral tributes were sent, and widespread sympathy was extended to the widow and the family of two sons. MR A. THOREAU The death occurred at an early hour yesterday morning of Mr Albert Thoreau in his sixty-fifth year. Mr Thoreau was born in the district and resided here all his life. He was educated at the Timaru Main School, in which he always took a very keen interest, and in later years, when an Old Boys’ Association was formed, due largely to his enthusiasm, he became the first president. Mr Thoreau was brought up to farming in the Fairview district, and was engaged in this occupation when the South African War broke out, in which he served as a member of the Second Contingent. Later a South African Veterans’ Association was formed, and Mr Thoreau was identified with this from its inception, being appointed the first secretary, a position he held for 11 years. Returning from the war, he again took up farming, but later came to reside in Timaru, where he took up secretarial work and opened a Labour Bureau, which he carried on until quite recently. The work of the farmer and his many problems always found an enthusiast in Mr Thoreau, who was secretary of the South Canterbury Executive of the Farmers’ Union for 20 years. He was at the time of his death secretary of the Albury branch of the Union, and until about a year ago was secretary of the Timaru-St. Andrews branch of the Union. He held many other secretaryships, including that of the Timaru Horticultural Society, with which he was associated for 12 years, and the South Canterbury Bowling Centre, for which he had been secretary for the last 19 years. He also was a very keen member of the Park Bowling Club. Miniature rifle shooting also claimed him as an enthusiast, and he served as secretary of the Timaru Association for many years. In any matter appertaining to the welfare of the South End of the town Mr Thoreau took a very keen

and active interest, and he played a prominent part in a number of public functions held to raise funds for improvement purposes. Mr Thoreau is survived by his widow, to whom will be extended the sympathy of both town and country residents.