OBITUARY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 243, 14 October 1938, Page 10

OBITUARY

MR. EDWIN GEORGE WILSON FIRST STATIONMASTER AT ’ TAIHAPE The death occurred at Nelson recently of Mr. Edwin George Wilson, who was Taihape’s first slationmaster and first president of the Taihape Bowling Club. Deceased was held in the highest esteem by the early residents of Taihape, who learned of his death with deep and sincere regret. Mr. Wilson was the second son of the late Mr. John Bollard Wilson and’ Mrs. Wilson and was born in Rangiora, North Canterbury, in 1861. In 1885 lie married Miss Marion Lonie Rennet at Leeston. At the age of 15 years deceased joined the New Zealand Railway Department as a cadet at Rangiora and was located at various stations in Canterbury as clerk, telegraphist and stationmaster until 1890. He then served as stationmaster at Greymouth, Brunnerton, Feildino- and Woodville until 1900, when he was transferred to Nelson as S.M. in charge of the section. After seven years at Nelson he transferred to Invercargill as S.M. and later to Taihape in the same capacity on the opening of the Main Trunk railway. In April, 1915, he retired after completing 40 years’ service, and lived in retirement in Christchurch. During the early war years he devoted his energies to the'Lady Liver-' pool Fund in Christchurch, acting as secretary until 1917, when, to help the Railway Department over a difficult period, he volunteered his services as a casual clerk and was so employed until the conclusion of the Great War.

In his early days, the late Mr. Wilson took a keen interest in al! branches of sport. He was for several years secretary of the Leeston Football Club and until the end took a lively interest in the game. For many years he was an ardent volunteer and rifleman. In Feilding he was a member of the Old Manchester Rifles and on his transfer to Nelson was one of the first members of the Nelson Defence Rifle Club. As a rifleman he acquitted himself with distinction. Later he took up bowls and played in Invercargill. At Taihape he was one of the foundation members of the club there and later played with the Sydenham Club in Christchurch, where he was secretary for some years. . In 1925 Mr. Wilson returned to Nelson to reside and joined the Nelson Bowling Club. He took a great interest in church affairs and from 1927 to 1933 was a church warden of “All Saints,” Nelson, being secretary during that period and was a synodman from 1928 until the time of his death. He was also a parochial nominator for “All Saints" for about three years. The late Mr. Wilson had not en-

years but was quite active until the last few weeks. He was predeceased by his wife 16 months ago and is survived by four sons and two daughters, joyed good health for two or three Professor E. J. Boyd Wilson, of Victoria University College, is the eldest son, Mr. J. S. Wilson, of Talaga Bay, the second son, Mr. J. R. Wilson, of Wellington, the third, and Mr. Maurice V. Wilson, of Auckland, the fourth. The daughters are Mrs. A. P. Seccombe, of Taihape, and Miss Eva Wilson, of Nelson. The funeral, which was largely attended, started from “All Saints” Church. The Rev. Canon Haltain, assisted by Rev. Dean Haggett, and the layreader, Mr. Nicholson, conducted a very impressive service and the choir, by their attendance, showed their sympathy. The pall-bearers were Professor E. J. Boyd Wilson, Messrs. J. R. and M. V. Wilson (sons) and Messrs. Flatt, Strowd and Webb. Beautiful floral tributes were sent by various church organisations, sporting bodies and from many personal friends, including a wreath from the Taihape Bowling Club. The chief! mourners were Professor E. J. Boyd Wilson and Mrs. Boyd Wilson, Messrs. J. R. and M. V. Wilson, Mrs. Seccombe and Miss Eva Wilson, Mr. A i Burton (nephew) and Master John Boyd Wilson (grandson).