OBITUARY.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18807, 1 December 1932, Page 6

OBITUARY.

MR WALTER STEELE. The funeral of the late Mr Waltef Steele who died at Mamaku on Monday was held in Rotorua yesterday, the cortege being an exceptionally large one. Deceased was a son of the late Mr Samuel Steel, Rukuhia, and was born in Ohaupo In 1874. He spent the early part of his life in the country about Tamahere. Many years ago lie started sawmilling with his brother in a bush near Mamaku. About the time of the outbreak of the Great War another mill was ereoted nearer Mamaku, the greater part -of the output being sent to Rotorua. Pumice drying works were also started within two miles of Rotorua, the second of their kind in New Zealand. After the termination of the war Mr Steele went into partnership with his brother-in-law, the firm being known as Steele, and Hemmings. They acquired stands of pinus insignis from around Tlrau and Cambridge and shipped the timber to Australia. The second Mamaku mill was burned down iu 1924. As a Justice of the Peace, member of the Rotorua County Council and member of the High School Board, the late Mr Steele rendered valuable community service. He was also keenly interested in all sports. in 1902 lie married Miss Emily Mav Hemmings, of Glen Murray. He is survived by four sons and four daughters, two of whom are married and residing in Sydney. AH the sons are living in this district. The late Mr Steele was held in high regard by all who knew him a s ui employer of labour he was held in high regard and his demise will bo regretted by a wide circle comprising all tanks and stations In the cpmniuu-