OBITUARY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 21, 7 June 1939, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR WAiLTER REID The death has occurred at his home stead at Opouriao of Mr Walter Reid. He was born at Drury almost 7.'} years ago, and as a young man came to the Opouriao district in 188'/ (the year following the Taravvera eruption) being one of the earliest settlers to arrive there. He first of all worked as a station hand on what was then the Opouriao station, and when the Government purchased the Opouriao Estate and cut it up for closer settlement in 1896, the late Mr Reid was successful in acquiring she fairm which has ever since been his homestead. During the 52 years of his residence in the Mr Reid achieved a remarkable record of public service which will long be remembered. There was scarcely a,ny activity beneficial to the district in which he did not take a leading part. In the sphere of sport he was an enthusiastic supporter of all clean sport— particularly cricket and amateur athletics and as a young man he captained the Taneatua cricket team for a period of over 15 years. When the Taneatua school was erected, Mr Reid was appointed first Chairman, of the School Committee —a position which he held for 25 years. A staunch member of the Taneatua Presbyterian Church, he was an Elder continuously from the time of its foundation. The late Mr Reid/is life however was chiefly noteworthy for his wonderful record of public service as Chairman of the Whakatane County Council and of the Opouriao Dairy Company. After having served for several years as a councillor, he was elected to the office of Chairman of the Council in 1910 and filled that position with marked ability for an unbroken period of almost 27 years when failing health compelled ifiim to retire. He was appointed Chairman of the Opouriao Dairy Company in 1907 and held that position continuously right up to the time of his death. The wonderful progress made by the Whakatane County and the Opouriao Dairy Company during the long term of his leadership will always be a monument to his integrity, his untiring energy, and his conscientious and able guidance. At all times an extremely good-natured and modest man } he seemed to delight in rendering unselfish service to others, and it can truly be said of him that he devoted his life to the welfare and service of the district. Mr Reid married the elder daughter of the late Mr William Morrison (also a pioneer settler in the Opouriao), but his wife predeceased him 11 ■ years aigo. He is survived by two daughters—Mrs C. H. Brebner of Whakatane and Miss: N. Reid of Tan. eatua. and two sons —Messrs W„ M. and N. S. Reid of Taneatua. , At the funeral last Monday, a large number of relatives, friends and local body representatives from ail : parts of the county a,nd adjoining districts followed the cortege. The Rev, Stewart conducted the re. ferring to the late Mr Reid's sterling qualities both as a man and as a local body representative . - The pall bearers were Messrs G. Sykes, A .F. McGougan, A. Murray, J. S. Rae. R. W. .Fox and J. Moody.