OBITUARY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 244, 27 July 1937, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR THOMAS HAYES. RECORD OF MANY ACTIVITIES. DEFENCE AND EDUCATION. The death occurred to-day of Mr Thomas Hayes, of 19 Burnett Street, Ashburton. Mr Hayes, who was in Ins 84th year, has had a. long association in many public activities in Ashburton, where for years he has been a prominent figure. Born in London in 1854, Mr Hayes came to New Zealand 26 years Later, and shortly after his arrival in the country took up his business as a carpenter and contractor in Ashburton. He retired from contracting in 1915. His work consisted mainly in house building, in which he did a considerable amount of work in both town and country. He was clerk of works for some large public buildings, including the pavilion in the Domain, the Municipal Abattoirs and buildings at the Public Hospital. A keen interest in volunteer work was taken by Mr Hayes in the early days. The Maori trouble in 1879 resulted in the formation of the Ashburton Rifle Volunteer Corps in 1860, Mr Hayes being a foundation member and one of the first non-commis-sioned officers. He was a member of the Ashburton, quota that left for Parihaka, attached to the Canterbury contingent. Up to the time of his death he was the last survivor of this Ashburton quota. Corporal Hayes was responsible for many victories, of his corps in sword bayonet competitionsin the South Island in the early days. He rose to the rank of first lieutenant, retiring in 1906, when he was presented with a clock' by members of tlie company. He was a holder of the Volunteer Decoration for long service. School work was another of the many activities of Mr Hayes. He had service on the Ashburton Borough School Committee for some years prior to 1915, and was chairman for a time. He was a member of the Technical School Board for 27 years, and ivas also chairman of this board at one period. Mr Hayes was an early member of the Ashburton. Club and Mutual School of Arts, and had the distinction of being the oldest living member of the club. The flag on the Club was flown at half-mast to-day as a mark of respect to his memory. Mr Hayes was elected a member of the Club on May 27, 1885, and five months later was appointed to the committee. As a volunteer fireman Mr Hayes was an active -vmember of the Ashburton Brigade for many years. After the Great War, Mr Hayes maintained his interest in imlitsuy matters in a practical manner. He served on the Ashburton County War Relief Fund from its inception after the cessation of hostilities until his retirement two years ago. He was present at the citizens’ meeting which was the forerunner of tlie registered fund. . Mr Hayes leaves a widow, two daughters, Mrs C. D. Hampton (Kaituna) and MVs Edith Hayes (Christchurch), and one son, Mr D. W. Hayes (Southbridge). One son, George was killed at the landing of Gallipoli.