THE LATE MR A. BOYLE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17009, 6 April 1923, Page 6

THE LATE MR A. BOYLE.

A PROMINENT SPORTSMAN.

Mr Alexander Boyle, who died, at his residence, Racoarwm Road, a few minutes before nuQmgnt la»t night, at the age ef sixty-five-, was born in London in 1857, but was of fcicottish desoenk, his family hailing from Ayrshire. He was the youngest son of the late RearAdmiral Boyle and a member of the Glasgow family who, in the 19th century, were represented on the turf by George Earl of Glasgow, famous for hi& eccentricities and heavy gambling.

Mr Boyle was educated at Harrow, and after leaving school he studied for the Foreign Office, but his natural tastes were entirely opposed to work of that character, and, at the age of twenty, he came to New Zealand and engaged in farming. By the time he was in his early thirties, he had become interested in the financial side of stock farming, cattle .dealing and kindred interests. The business of Messrs Pyne, Gould Guinness, Ltd. (of which Mr Boyle at the time of his death was managing director) is closely linked with pastoral interests in the South Island. Mr Boyle was upon the directorate of numerous other companies, including the New Zealand Refrigerating Company, Ltd.

As a hoy, Mr Boyle was keen on foxhunting, and whenever he went back to the Old Country, he took every opportunity of riding to hounds, going out with many of the best known packs, including the Blackmore V.W.H., Duke of Beaufort’s, the

Garth, and Lord Portman’s in Ireland. He also hunted with the Galway Blazers, Tipperary, Ward Union, and other packs. Air Boyle was an active moraine r of the first polo team which was organised in New Zealand and played in the game for many a season. Both on the flat and ever country he rode not only his own horses but those of other owners on many occasions, and quitei a number of successes came his way during the past four decades.

Mr Boyle was for many years a member of the committee and a steward of the Canterbury Jockey Club, and for part of that time was chairman of the committee. H© had considerable experience in various departments of racing, particularly as a starter and as a judge, acting in those capacities at various tim js for a number of clubs. Though’ never very prominent as an owner, his colours—white, crimson sleeves and cap—were well known in Canterbury, and among the horses he owned were Martins, Margarine and Findhorn. Cricket, shooting and angling were among other of his sporting interests. He was a member in addition of numerous social and sporting clubs in New Zealand. Boodles was his London Club. Mr Boyle leaves a widow and two sons and two daughters. Mrs Boyle was the eldest daughter of the late Michael Studholme. o'f Te Waimate. Lieutenant-Commander Boyle, who lately returned from the Royal Navy, is now a member of the firm of Pyne, Gould, Guinness, Ltd. The other members of the family are Mr P. Boyle, Mrs Algar Williams and Miss P. Boyle. Mr Boyle returned a few months ago from a trip to England, where the most skilful medical attention proved unavailing. The funeral will take place at Upper Riccarton to-morrow morning.