OBITUARY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 245, 15 October 1937, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR C. H. BURGESS I Per Press Association. ) NEW PLYMOUTH, Oct. 14. The death occurred this morning of Mr C. H. Burgess, aged 77, one of New Plymouth’s best-known citizens, and for many years a leading figure in the community. He was born in Auckland and came to New Plymouth in 1892, establishing the firm of Burgess, Fraser, and Co., the first wholesale business of the kind in New Plymouth. He was a member of many public bodies, including the Chamber of Commerce, Harbour Board, and Hospital Board, but his most notable public work was as Mayor during the war years. He was splendidly supported by Mrs Burgess in their patriotic work, for which they were awarded the order of M.B.E. in 1918. They inaugurated the annual Anzac Day reunion for ex-servicemen and women and patriotic workers, and they maintained that celebration at their own expense regularly ever since. Among their many gifts to New Plymouth there is none which excels in beauty and generosity the beautiful property of “Hapurunui,’’ which was their home for many years and is now known as Burgess Park. They also gave the picturesque tea house with all its equipment at Pukekura Park and the Cross of Sacrifice in the soldiers’ plot at Te Henul Cemetery. Mr Burgess is survived by Mrs Burgess; his brother, Mr G. A. Burgess, of Hawera; and two sisters, Mrs G. Reid and Miss K. Burgess, both of New Plymouth, is a nephew.