A GOOD CITIZEN PASSES.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 September 1939, Page 4

A GOOD CITIZEN PASSES.

A GREAT many people in Masterton and the Wairarapa will M learn with dee]) regret-of the death of Mr. R. J. Young, which occurred in Auckland yesterday. Few men had a wider circle of friends than Mr. Young, or earned more general affection and esteem. He was notable not only for liis quietlj happy and friendly disposition, but for qualities of unselfish public spirit and enterprise ■which entitled him in an eminent degree to be called a good citizen.

Mr. Young was a man of wide interests and extended experience and his exceptional capabilities were at all times placed freely and generously-at the disposal of the commuiiitj. A talented 'and enthusiastic inusician, he gave splendidly efficient service over an extended period of years as conductor of the Maserton Municipal Band and during a still longer period as conductor and musical director of the Amateur 'theatrical Society. In the last-mentioned capacity he gave time and energy wit hout stint to the .preparation and presentation of the music of many delightful light operas, with results that wcie pleasant alike to musicians and other members ol a series oi % amateur companies and to their audiences through the years.

The enthusiasm Mr. Young brought to bear upon any work he undertook for I he community was exemplified in many ways during his conductorship of the Municipal Band. He was eager equally to raise the band to the highest, possible pitch of efficiency and to secure for it the backing and support to-which it. was and is entitled from the community. He was indefatigable and notably successful in forwarding the recruiting and training of the band, in arranging for its frequent public appearance, in promoting district band contests, and making it possible for the band to compete at contests further afield, and in various other activities of a related kind. It was characteristic of his energetic and successful leadership that during the period of his conductorship the band was re-equipped with new uniforms and with a fine set of new instruments.

It is not very long since failing health compelled Mr. Young to withdraw from the community activities in which he had played a notable part, but now all that he did so cheerfully and well in his long association with Mastertoll and llie Wairarapa is left to other hands, lie set during many years a sterling example of unassuming but helpful citizenship and leaves vacant in the community life of this town and district a place tli at' will bo hard, to fill.