OBITUARY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 121, 25 June 1941, Page 5

OBITUARY

IJEUT. 11. O. STEWART In the reported death of Lieut. Morton Oliphant Stewart, Whakatane has .suffered a severe loss. The eldest son of Mr and Mirst A. 01.O 1 . Stewart of the Pa, Whakatane, Horton, as he was known to all his associates was a popular arid well respected officer of the Maori Battalion which fought the. heroic rearguard actions of Greece and Crete.' Before joining the colours, he had already made liis mark as a citizen of great promise with a wide circle of friends in town and district. A keen musician, he was noted for -his mastery of the violin, and figured on more than one conccrt platform in that eapacitjr. He also figured prominently as n hockey player, fielding against all touring teams which visited the district. He will be remembered for his organising ability which was well displayed two 3 7 ears ago when he threw himself energetical! into the Sports Queen Carnival for the purpose of raising funds for improving the Domain. Lieut. Stewart was highly spoken of in Military circles, rising from tho ranks to a commission which gave him popular control of the Matatua Maoris in his. Battalion. His experiences in England, where the Maoris were posted for some time before being transferred to the Far Rastf, will be remembered by our readers who will have read extracts nf liisi interesting letters reprinted from time to time in these columns. The greatest sjmipathy will be extended to his young wife and child, and to his family who have two other sons overseas with the forces Messrs Don and Rob Stewart, both of whom are now in Egypt.