A SPLENDID EXAMPLE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 124, 2 July 1941, Page 4

A SPLENDID EXAMPLE

WE take the opportunity of departing from the usual procedure by paying tribute through these columns to the first Chairman of Directors of the BEACON Printing and Publishing Company, Mr Francis James Reynolds, whose tragia disappearance occurred on Monday last. From the point of view of the townspeople of Whakatane, he it was who realising the gap caused by the liquidation of the 'Press' two and a half years ago, stepped into the breach and by his own personal effort reinstated the local newspaper service which has been found acceptable to twelve hundred subscribers on the Rangitaiki Plains and adjoining districts. Though essentially a farmer, he was far-sighted enough to realise the need for a newspaper and confident enough to invest in its future. To every member of the Directorate and the staff he was known for his consideration and his ability. His colleagues have counted, it a privilege to be associated with him in .a business capacity and a far greater one in a personal. Kindly and thoughtful he was known throughout Whakatane for his many acts of generosity, while his fine character won him the esteem of all with whom he. came in contact. His resource and tenacity of purpose brought him success on the Plains, and he lived to see the splendid transformation which marked his twenty years of labour. It would, be futile to try and portray him~ with any degree of accuracy, nor will we attempt it —he will live in the memories of all who knew him for the kindhearted, cheerful and tolerant friend he was. His consistent good nature was probably explained by a chance Remark he made recently to a close friend, 1 have received more pleasure from giving, than from anything else I know. This was the man as Whakatane knew him., and perhaps it would, not be necessary to attempt any further portrayal. He will be missed, sadly missed, by a host of friends, but his fine unselfish example will be a lasting inspiration which will keep his memory green. The fields of the Plains will be his memorial, and his personality will live in the hearts of his associates-. We feel that with all sincerity, we can say of him 'here m truth was one of Nature's Gentlemen.'