OBITUARY.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17966, 11 March 1930, Page 7

OBITUARY.

MR' GEORGE EDGECUMBE. USEFUL LIFE ENDED. RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE - . The death occurred at his residence, Remuera, Auckland, this morning, of Mr George Edgecumbe, who lias been associated with the Waikato from-the \erv early days of settlement, and the news of his demise will be received • with unfeigned regret and sorrow by a very large circle. Mr Ldgccumbe, who was S 5 years of age, had been in failing health for -some time past, •and the end, though somewhat sudden, was not unexpected. The deceased gentleman was bom in Chippenham, Wiltshire (England) in 1845, and as a young man emigrated to New Zealand, reaching Auckland by the ship John Duncan on oanuary -3, 1864. The following year he came to Waikato, settling in the Ngaruawahia township, where he was employed by the late W. J. Aoung> a merchint, of Auckland, in whose service he continued for two years. In 186 < he commenced business on his own account as storekeeper and timber merchant, and continued there for 10 vears. He then came to Hamilton, where he joined the staff of The Waikato Times, r of which he successively was manager, part proprietor with the late Mr F. A. Whitaker, and then sole proprietor. On the termination of his lease of the paper, arid its sale -by the Bank of New Zealand Assets Realisation Board in 1596 to the late Mr J. S. Bond, Mr Edgecumbe established The Waikato Argus, of which he continued proprietor until it was incorporated with The "Waikato Times m the opening months of the Great War. He was appointed chairman of directors -of the new company, a position he held for a lengthy period, until he •removed to Remuera, some years ago. Active in Public Life. The late Mr Edgecumbe gave much of his time, talents, and energy to community service, and in the pioneering days no figure was better known in public life. He was actively associated with every movement calculated to advance the welfare of the district, and his counsel and advice were widely sought. He was a member of the Hamilton Borough Council for a period, and also acted as Mayor. He was elected Mayor in 1899, and it was during his term that rating on unimproved values--yi the borough was introduced and other reforms effected. He was one of the original members of the South Auckland Racing Club, and it was largely due to his exertions that the Claudelands Showgrounds, which was originally the Racing Club course, was obtained. He was a keen •follower of the “ Sport of Kings,” and in those far-off days his name appeared in the racecards as an owner. When in the early nineties the Wai--1 kato Agricultural and Pastoral Assoi ciation was formed, he took a keen interest in its affairs, and did much to i! nurse it through the early days of its %. existence. (£ Ml* Edgecumbe took a keen interest if In Rugby football and cricket, both of 1 which pastimes owed much to him in * the early days, for he accorded them liberal material, as well as moral, support. He was an enthusiastic amateur gardener and orchardist, and “ The Sycamores,” his property on the HamiltonFrankton Road, was famous throughout the Waikato for the quality and variety of its products. Mr Edgecumbe was an earnest churchman, and the records of St. Peter's, Hamilton, show that for many years he held the responsible position of churchwarden, and he was indefatigable in the discharge of his duties. What the Anglicans of Hamilton owe to his foresight and sagacity is probablv little realised by the present generation, but it will he acknowledged by those whose memory can carry them back three decades. Filled Many Positions. Amongst other public offices Mr Edgecumbe filled in his day were those of member of the Auckland Education Board, first chairman of the Hamilton High School Board, member of the Waikato Hospital Board and chairman of the first Ngaruawahia Town Board. He was a prominent Mason, and was one of the founders of Lodge Beta, Hamilton, of which he became .a Grand Master. Ho .was also one of the founders of the Hamilton Club. The laic gentleman was also instrumental, with others, in forming the Hamilton Bowling Club. The late Mr Edgecumbe was a champion of the rights of the people, and was a particular advocate of the farmers’ interests. In championing the cause of the farmers through the leading columns of the Times on one occasion, he ran the paper into a libel action, which, though successfully defended, involved the proprietor in a considerable amount in costs, which the farmers, realising had been incurred in their interests, subscribed and defrayed. Mr Edgecumbe was married in-1871 to Miss Hume, a sister of the late Mr James Hume, who for many years was manager of the Bank of New Zealand, and reared a family of three sons and six daughters. Mrs Edgecumbe predeceased him, as did two of the daughters. The surviving members of the family are: Miss Marion Edgecumbe, 3 Oliver Street, Remuera; (Mrs Mabel Lee, Remuera; Mrs Dorothy Kenny, Epsom; Mrs Phyllis Kenny, Epsom; Mr George Edgecumbe, Franklon; Mr Hume Edgecumbe, Sydney; and Mr Harold Edgecumbe, architect, Hamilton. MR. T. E. BREWER, The death of Mr. Thomas Edmund Brewer, aged 78, 'is announced. Mr. .Brewer arrived in Auckland in 18S4. MRS. HONORA O’BRIEN. The death of Mrs. Ilonora O'Brien, aged 90, widow of the late Mr. Michael Finnesev O’Brien, occurred recently at Westport. Four sons and four daughters survive, including Mr.. Joseph O’Brien, of Hunt-ly. MR HENRY LIVICK. NELSON, Tuesday. The death is announced of Mr ■ Henry Livick, of Nelson, one of trie ♦oldest commercial travellers in New Zealand.