TAIHAPE NEWS

Wanganui Chronicle, 22 December 1950, Page 3

TAIHAPE NEWS

Obituary MR E. A. FRASER. A link with the early history of Taihape was severed on Monday by the death of a well-known and highly esteemed resident and former business man, Mr Bothwell Alexander Fraser, who passed away at his residence in Hautapu Street, after a long illness. Th? late Mr Fraser was born in Forbes, New South Wales, and educated in that town. After leaving school he learned the saddlery trade and used to work from 6 a.m. till 6 r».m. for about five shillings a week. He came to Taihape from Australia at the age of 21 years. His first night in New Zealand was spent in Wellington and he left by coach for Taihape the following day and remained here until his death. He was married at the age of 22 years to Miss Maud Smith, a sister of Mr H. F. Smith, of Taihape. Her father was a sawmiller at Mataroa, Mr Samuel Francis Jago Smith. There were four children-r-Donald, Malcolm, Alexander and Jessie (now Mrs A. E. Ferguson, Mangaweka). Mr Fraser’s first job in Taihape was in the nmploy of Mr Joe Coogan, who started a saddlery business in a building near the Otaihape Club at the southern end of the town. When Mr Coogan left Taihap? tn go farming Mr Fraser and Mr A. Shelton took over the business. Some years later the partnership ended and Mr Fraser entered business on his own account. He moved to premises at the northern end of the town, near the shon at present occupied by Mr R. Kiely. Mr Frasor was an excellent tradesman and was noted for his high quality saddles, harness and other leather goods of various descriptions. He took a special course in making curtains for cars, and built uo an extensive business in this particular sideline. He was a keen sportsman in his younger days and nothing pleased him better than to go deer stalling or duck shooting. He was also a poultry fancier and his flock of Black Orpingtons gained many prizes at shows. He won a silver cup as a points prize in heavy utility poultry and also won outright the Black Orpington Challenge Shield after winning the trophy four years in succession, 1918-19-20-21. He was married three times. His third wife was Mrs J. Crombie, whom he married in 1927. Mr Fraser 'underwent a serious operation in the Wellington Hospital about six years ago and was in hosnital for 15 months. While in hosnital on that occasion he was included in a film dealing with occupational therapy. He was a member of the Otaihape Masonic Lodge and twice held the position of Worshipful Master. The funeral was held at Taihape on Wednesday morning. The service at St. David’s Presbyterian Church and at the graveside was conducted by Rev. R. M. Rodgers. The Masonic ceremony at the graveside was conducted bv P.M. Bro. W. McCombie and I.P.M. Bro. H. D. Gray. All sections of the community were represented and many people came long distances to pay their respects The pall-bearers at the church were Messrs E. Peacock (Wainui), A. E. Ferguson (Mangaweka), Frank Daniels (Taihane) and C. A. Young (Taihane). The pall-bearers at the graveside were all members of the Masonic Lodge. They were Messrs H. D. Gray, H. Hayman senr., R. D. Macßae. A. Wisker, S. Barnes and H. S. Marsh. CHRISTMAS DAY SCREENING The Taihape Borough Council passed a resolution on Tuesday evening granting the management of the Majestic cinema permission to screen a suitable programme on Xmas Day. BOROUGH TRUCK DRIVER APPOINTED Mr. P. Mako was appointed borough truck driver at the monthly meeting of the Borough Council on Tuesday evening. PERSONAL A motion of sympathy with the relatives of the late Rt. Hon. Peter Fraser was passed at Tuesday’s meeting of the Taihape Borough Council. Members stood in silence as a mark of respect. A letter from Cr. A. Gregory regretting that he was unable to attend the Borough Council meeting owing to ill health and conveying the season’s greetings to the council and staff was received and acknowledged at the monthly meeting on Tuesday. A funeral service was held at St. David’s Presbyterian Church on Tuesday in memory of Mr H. H. McClure, prior to the departure of the hearse for Wanganui. The officiating clergyman was Rev. S. R. Anderson (Mangaweka). The pall-bearers were Messrs Stanley and Roy McClure and Sep and Sid Cuff The Taihape Fire Brigade, of which the late Mr McClure was at one time a member, was represented by Deputy-Superintendent W. H. Adair. There was a good representation of old settlers. IMPROVEMENTS TO REST ROOM The Taihape Borough Council has decided to ask Mr. R G. Taiboys, architect, of Wanganui, to submit plans and specifications for improved facilities at the Rest Room. For some time past the Taihape bra'nch of the Plunket Society has been agitating for improvements to the building and a letter from the society was read at Tuesday’s meeting of the council. GUN CLUB SHOOT. The Taihape Gun Club will hold a Christmas shoot tomorrow (Saturday) commencing at 1.30 p.m.