OBITUARY

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXX, Issue 159, 15 July 1935, Page 8

OBITUARY

MR H. HAMILTON BRIDGE The news of the death of Mr Henry Hamilton Bridge, at his home in London at the advanced age of 89 years, will be received with deep regret by all his old friends throughout Hawke’s Bay. Mr Bridge was a well-known and highly-respected early settler of this district, and one of the pioneer sheepfarmers on the Ruataniwha Plains. Arriving about sixty years ago he acquired the Fairfield Station, of some 10,000 acres, and converted it from scrub, fern and swamp into one of the finest properties in the district. He was a most successful breeder of Romney sheep, having one of the best flocks in the country, and was probably the first farmer on the Plains to cultivate root crops for the feeding of stock. With true foresight he also planted large quantities of forest and ornamental trees, which proved a valuable asset in later years. To encourage the growing of wheat in the district, Mr Bridge built an up-to-date flour mill at Onga Onga for the use of the settlers. Among other of his benefactions he donated an area of 25 acres as a park and recreation ground for the residents of Onga Onga and district. Mr Bridge also built and vested in trustees a beautiful little church, which has been in continued use for about forty years.

! As a member of the Waipawa County and other local bodies he served the community for years, and every project for the advancement j of the district had his warmest sup- • port. Some thirty-five years ago Mr ( Bridge subdivided the Fairfield estate and returned to England settl- \ ing in Droxford, Hampshire. He j always retained a great love for his adopted country, and returned to New Zealand on several occasions to renew acquaintances with his old friends and former employees, in whose welj fare he was always keenly interested. 'l The late Mr Henry H. Bridge was I a fine type of English gentleman, a great Imperialist, and as a pioneer and progressive settler was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. He leaves a widow and two sons, who will have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends.