PIONEER’S PASSING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 191, 15 August 1941, Page 7

PIONEER’S PASSING

MR. G. E. ANDERSON HELPED TO CONSTRUCT MAKOHINE VIADUCT (0.C.) Taihape, Aug. 14. The recent death of Mr. Gustav Emil Anderson removes from the Taihape district another of its earliest pioneers. He was born and educated in Palmerston North, and was engaged in the sawmilling industry in Hawke's Bay for a short time, moving later lo Mangaonoho, where ho was employed on the construction of the Makohine viaduct at Ohingaiti, about 1900, In 1902 Mr. Anderson came to the Taihape district to take up farming, settling on a block of land of some 300 acres at Tiriraukawa, which his father had drawn in a ballot. About 28 years ago Mr. Anderson acquired another property in State Farm IJaad. formerly occupied by Mr. White, and lived there until the lime o£ ms death. Some ten years ago his elder son, Mr. Ronald ' Anderson took over the Tiriraukawa property, while the younger son, Mr. Cecil Anderson, has been assisting his father with the farming of the State Farm property for several years.

Mr. Anderson served on the committee of tire Rangitikei A. and P. Association for 27 years, being first elected a committeeman in 1914. He was president in 1920-21, Tributes ti the service rendered the assoc'ation by Mr. Anderson were paid by the president, Mr. George Brown, and b, Mr. A. R. Fannin, last Saturday. Mr. Anderson was an excellent shot with a rifle. He was originally a member of the Te Kapua Rifle Club and represented the club in inter-club competitions. Later, ne joined the Utiku Defence Rifle Club, being one of the foundation menibeis. He represented the club on many occasions and won the championship bell one year, and also several other valuable trophies. A tew months ago Mi. Anderson put up an excellent performance when shooting for the British Corps of Frontiersmen against, the iR.S.A. He represented the Utiku Rifle Club in inter-club matches until he retired. He was also a prominent member of the Taihape Gun Club and took part in inter-club shoots and other big events. He was a keen angler and also took a great interest in Rugby football and other sports. Mr Anderson was a very enthusiastic Home Guardsman, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge. For 12 years—from 1920 to 1932—Mr. Anderson served on the Rangitikei County Council, representing the Te Kapua Riding.