OLD AKAROA IDENTITY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16907, 5 December 1922, Page 6

OLD AKAROA IDENTITY.

DEATH OF “ DOMINIQUE ” KOINOMOPOLOS. The death occurred this morning at Akaroa of Mr Demetrius Koinomopolcs, familiarly known as “Dominique, ’ in his* eighty-third year. “ Dominique,” up till a few years ago, when tailing health and eyesight kept him indoors, was the familiar friend of all visitors to Akaroa. and was very highly' esteemed by the townspeople for his great good nature and strict honesty. “Dominique” came to Akaroa. in the very early days, leaving a French vessel which called at Lyttelton. Born at Hydra, au island near Athens, he was very proud of his Greek nationality. He had traded on sailing vessels in the Mediterranean ami the Black Sea. and had a veryclear recollection of tlie ports he had called at. In Akaroa. where he added to his knowledge of French a very 'ndifferent. acquaintance with _ Englisa, hr traded to the Bays in the earliest days, visiting Long Bay and Stony Bay regularly. On his ketch he also carried some of the materials for the Akaroa lighthouse. At one time he was part owner and master of the little steamer Peraki and other small vessels. Besides being a waterman in the summer season, he occupied a great deal of his time fishing, and he was a charming companion for a fishing ex cursion down the harbour. About seventeen years ago he purchased the oil launch Flora, on which he carried many picnic parties, but old ago compelled him to give up an active life a few years ago. Sinco then he had bcei* gradually failing in health and in addition to almost total blindness he suffered a paralytic stroke which left him very helpless at times. In his day he had been a very strong man. and one could/ well believe his claim that, he had been “the strong man of the Peninsula.” The name “Dominique” was given him by a school master in the early days, and it stuck to him firmlv. He leaves a widow and one daughter, who will receive the sympathy of a very wide circle of friends.