OBITUARY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 11, 2 October 1942, Page 5

OBITUARY

MR ROBERT FRASER

/ In- the death of Mr Robert Fraser which occurred last Monday morning at tlie Rotorua Hospital, Whakatanc lias lost one of its best known and widely respected, residents. Born seventy-five years ago at St. Albans, Christchurch, the late Mr t raser came of Scottish-French parentage and at an early age entered the teaching profession. After a number ol appointments he became headmaster of the Hampstead School, Asliburton. It was in this friendly community with its predominant Scottish element that he became so deeply interested in the study of roman. ic Caledonia. He was prominent in Caledonian gatherings throughout Otago and his natural eloquence and musical gifts made eagerly sought after. About forty years ago lie transferred his interests to the Justice Department and was appointed Clerk of Court" at Asliburton. Three j T ears later he was appointed to Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, where he continued to take a leading part in all things Scottish. Fourteen years ago he was posted, to Wha'katane where lie quickly established himself, and by virtue of. his knowledge of the Maori tongue through the contact he had made in Hawke's Bay became something of an interpreter. His fame as an authority on Scottish history won him invitations as far afield as Hamilton, Morrinsville, Te Aroha, Waihi, and on one occasion to Auckland. With the formation of the Whakatane Caledonian Society, seven years ago, in which he took a prominent part, there was no happier man than Mr Robt Fraser who put his shoulder to the Avheel with a zest. His energy and interest undoubtedly played a big part in the early establishment of the Society and its* Pipe Band. In the earlier days he was a well known figure on his splendid horse 'Mac' on which he did most of his travelling. Eight years ago he retired, and till the time of his death lived quietly residing alternatively at his Ohope cottage or his house in town. His interests included the Masonic Lodge of which he was a Past Grand Master. He was also a Mas titer o>f Arts. i His loss will be felt by a wide circle of friends in both islands.