OBITUARY

Waikato Times, Volume 91, Issue 14134, 11 August 1919, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR K. S. BROOKFIELD. The sudden death of Mr K. S. Brooklleld, the popular manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Hamilton, which position he held for over £0 years, caused a painful sensation on Saturday night. His most intimate friends did not even know that he w*; ailing, as on the previous' afternooh he was out and at his business as usual, apparently in his normal robust, health. Late on Saturday rumours gained currency that he ws£*

in a critical state, but these reports were not given much credence, until inquiries established that they were only too well authenticated, his condition then giving his friends and medical attendants the utmost anxiety. He rapiijly grew worse, and expired at about 7 p.m., having been only confined to his room for one day. The cause of death was acute pneumonia. The late Mr Brooklleld was held in high esteem, and was universally popular, and had been associated with Hamilton for many years, baving bean on the staff of the bank during the time the late Mr Jas. Hume was manager. Mr Hume was succeeded by Mr Thompson, who, after a short interval, received another appointment in the South, Mr Brookfleld being appointed to the local managership—a position he filled with marked ability. He saw the business of the institution develop from the day of small things, small staffs and small premises, to their present dimensions. Whilst coaserving the interests of the bank, be enjoyed the utmost confidence of the clientele and the goodwill of the staff, and the personal popularity of the late manager was unquestionably a very potent factor in building up the connection o r the institution.

In private life he was a general favourite, and those who knew him best liked him most. He was never backward in assisting those who were :n need of help, and only those in close touch with him knew the extent of his benefactions. He did "not live for himself alcne," as many can testify. In the realms of sport he will be greatly missed, for he was a keen sportsman in the true sense of the word. In his youth he followed football most enthusiastically, and for several years occupied a leading place amongst Waikato supporters. Later he took up bowls, and was for a term president of the Hamilton Club. He was a warm supporter of the local racing club, being a member of long standing, find he has been indefatigable in advancing its interests. When the affairs of the club were not in such a prosperous state as they are to-day,

he stood by it consistently, and his business aptitude and mature judgment assisted much in bringing it to its present proud position. Three years ago he was elected president, and it is evidence of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow-members that he has been re-elected each year. In this connection he will he much missed, for a forward movement is on the tapis which should result in placing the club right in the forefront ofJ;he provincial clubs of the Dominion, and it was to their president that the members were looking to mature thejr plans for the future. Deceased was also at the time of his death, president of the Hamilton Club. He discharged the onerous duties of this office with the same thoroughness and ability as characterised him in other directions, J and his sudden removal will leave a gap in this and the other institutions with which he was connected which will be exceedingly difficult to fill.

Deceased was a son of the late Mr F. Brookfleld, of Onehunga, and had remanied unmarried all his life.

Dean Darby's Eulogy.

At St. Mary's Church last evening Very Rev. Dean Darby made feeling reference to the unexpected death of Mr Brookfleld. The Dean said that he would speak of the deceased as a friend a.nd a business man. All who had come in contact with the deceased must have admired his gentlemanly

bearing on all occasions. To this must be added his business ability, his integrity, in all matters of business, and his common practical judgment. These combined qualities made the deceased the success he was as manager of the largest hanking institution in Hamilton.

The whole of the Waikato district, the Dean said, owed a deep debt of gratitude to Mr Brookfleld, for he had played a "most important part in bringing about that success which the Waikato now so justly enjoyed. To the relatives'of the deceased, on behalf of himself and the congregation, he extended their heartfelt sympathy.