SPORTSMAN'S DEATH

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19766, 23 December 1935, Page 6

SPORTSMAN'S DEATH

MR C. R. B. SPEIGHT. EARLY WAIKATO ASSOCIATION. A FORMER ALL BLACK. The death oocurred to-day .at his residence in Claudelands of Air Charles Richard Barton Speight, one of the best known of New Zealand’s earlier sportsmen, af the age of 66 years. In his 38 years’ residence in Hamilton Mr Speight became a popular figure and had taken part in a multitude of civic and sporting activities. Born in Auckland in 1869, the second son of the late SergeantMajor I. Speight of the 58th Regiment, the late Mr Speight was educated in the city and later entered the coach-building trade. While in Auckland Mr Speight took an exceptionally keen interest in all sporting activities particularly in regard to Rugby and yachting. For many years he was a front-row forward In the Auckland representative team and was one of the outstanding players in the 1893 All Black team that toured Australia. As a yachtman he was a member of the crew of the Minola, whioh achieved a remarkable run of successes on the Waitemata.

Shortly after his return from Australia Mr Speight removed to Hamilton where he married Miss K. Hill, a daughter of the late Mr and Airs T. M. Hill of Hamilton. He continued his sporting activities and was for many years a representative of Hamilton and Waikato Rugby teams, a prominent member of the Hamilton Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club and a keen member of swimming and cricket clubs. Member of Council. During his 38 years’ residence in Hamilton the deceased took a prominent part in the activities of the town. His geniality was seen at its best in the activities he performed with the original Hamilton Comedy Club and for one term his ready wit enlivened the proceedings of the Hamilton Borough Council. A member of the Hamilton East School committee for 25 years, including a lengthy term as chairman, he was in no small measure responsible for the development of the school. He has also served as a member of the committee of the Waikato Trotting Club. After retiring from his active Rugby career Air Speight evinced a ready interest in the administrative side of the game and for many years acted as selector for the Hamilton and Waikato Unions. While in Hamilton he was a prominent freemason. He was a Past Master of Lodge Beta Waikato 12, a Past-Grand Swordbearer or the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, a Past-grand organist of the Supreme Grand Royal Aroh Chapter and was a life member of the Lodge Beta Waikato and the Waikato Royal Arch Chapter.

Deceased was a foundation member and present patron of (he Claudelands Bowling Club and, his services to the Hamilton Rugby Union, won him life membership privileges. Popularity with Children. Up till last season he was a regular attendant at Rugby fixtures at Hamilton and other important sporting events. Perhaps one of the best known residents of the district, Mr Speight was widely known for his genial disposition and his readiness to help in any case of distress. He was particularly popular with all children and was regarded almost as a patron saint by pupils at the Hamilton East School. His remarkable record in sport he carried to the administrative side and his assistance In the organisation of any branch of sport was as eagerly given as it was sought after.

The late Mr Speight Is survived by his wife, two sons, Messrs G. A. Speight of Hamilton and M. G. Speight of Auckland, and two daughters, Miss D. Speight and Miss H. Speight, of Hamilton.

The funeral will leave the Cathedral at 2.30 p.m. to-morrow for the Hamilton East cemetery.