THE LATE G.H. TRIBE, M.H.R.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 76, 10 April 1877, Page 3

THE LATE G.H. TRIBE, M.H.R.

The Boss Guardian, of the 20th instant writing of the demise of the late Mr. Tribe, has the following obituary notice of that getleman : —George Henry Tribe, the member for the Totara, is dead. This melancholy event occurred at Wellington, and the mournful tidings will make many heavy hearts in Westland, for in many instances he proved himself a kind friend in the hour of need, and without any ostentations display, never letting , his right hand know what his left did. Of Mr. Tribe's career we know but little. He came to New Zealand about twenty-five years ago, and did an extensive business as a merchant in Lyttelton ; but unfortunately his premises were burnt down, and as, in those days there was no insurance, thelossfell entirely uponhisown shoulders, the effects of which he never recovered. His next venture was an hotel at Akaroa, which, after a time, he gave up, and opened in the same line in Christchurch. He again relinquished this, and started the Evening Star in Christchurch, which he sold to the proprietors of the Lyttelton Times. On the outbreak of the West Coast Goldfields, he came over, and was one of the first settlers in Ross, where he identified himself with every movement calculated to advance the interests of the district. For some years he was editor of the Boss Guardian, which was printed by the late Mr. William Shaw, at Hokitika, the publication of which ceased when Mr. J. P. Klein bought out Mr. Shaw. Afterwards, in conjunction with Mr. Cuming, he started the Ross News, which he edited until he sold out, and shortly thereafter the paper collapsed. He started the Totara Lodge of Freemasons in Ross, of which he was the first master, and imbued an amount of enthusiasm into it which soon made it a most popular society. His first essay for political honours was in Canterbury, where he stood as a candidate for the first Provincial Council, but was opposed by the Rev. William Aylmer, who was returned by a narrow majority. Towards the close of the year 1870, Mr. Tribe contested the election for the representation ofthe Totara district in the County Council, but was defeated by Mr. C. E. Button. Early in the in the next year, Mr. Tribe sought election for the district in the House of Representatives, for which he was returned, and has sat as our member ever since. At last election he was again returned after a very easy victory over Mr. Comisky. Mr. Tribe was a far-seeing man, and knowing the great want of this district for water, he spent the last years of his life almost entirely in endeavouring to get the Mikonui Water Race constructed, a work he was not destined to accomplish. He was a consistent supporter of the present Ministry, and through his death they will loose a sturdy friend. So well was Mr. Tribe known and respected here, that general sorrow is expressed- His goodness is all the theme, and his failings—who is without them —are sunk into oblivion. JRequiescat in pace. The Wellington Argus of the 21st says: —The remains of the late Mr. G. H. Tribe were conveyed to their last resting place to-day, in the Church of England Cemetery. In addition to a large number of leading citizens who joined in the funeral procession, the masonic body, of which Mr. Tribe was a prominent member, paid a tribute of respect to the remains of the departed brother by attending in large numbers. At the., mortuary .chapel the brethern put on their regalia, and inarched thus to the grave.