IDENTITY PASSES

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XXXI, Issue 8833, 14 October 1942, Page 2

IDENTITY PASSES

MR GEORGE TONGE WELL-KNOWN IN DISTRICT HOSPITAL BOARD SECRETARY ( The death occurred at the Thames Hospital on Monday morning of- Mr George Tonge, well-known as former secretary and treasurer of the Thames Hospital Board. Born at Auckland on October 3, 1872, Mr Tonge was educated at the Parnell Public School and later at Dr. McArthur’s College. After leaving school he went to Sydney, where he took up accountancy.

Returning to Auckland, he set up in business as a land, estate and indent agent, but later went to Waihi, joining the office staff of the Waihi Goldmining Company as clerk and rising to the responsible position of paymaster. During his employment with the company, Mr Tonge witnessed the exciting incidents of the 1912 industrial strike. He also assisted in the negotiations with the Government for bringing electric power from Horahora to drive the company’s large mill at Waikino.

While at Waihi, Mr Tonge was a foundation member and secretary of the Oddfellows’ Lodge. In June, 1917, he was appointed secretary and treasurer of the Thames Hospital Board. During his term of office with the board, the Nurses’ Home at Thames and the Maternity Hospital at Paeroa were built by the board and the amalgamation of the Thames, Waihi and Coromandel hospital districts under one board was effected. He retired after 24 years’ service with the board owing to ill-health. In his young days Mr Tonge was a prominent athlete and cricketer, playing for the Parnell Club. "He was married in old St. Paul’s Church, Auckland, by Canon Nelson, in 1895, Mrs Tonge then being Miss Waldron, of Auckland, and he is survived by his wife, one daughter, Mrs 1 11. G. Foster, of Auckland, and two sons, George Edward (Waikino) and Harold Ernest (Thames). There are two granddaughters. A service was held at St. George’s Anglican Church, Thames, on Tuesday, the funeral leaving later for Totara Cemetery.