OBITUARY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 93, 27 July 1943, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR SIDNEY JOHN CRAPP Yet another link with the pioneering past was severed, by the death ol' Mr Sidney John (Jack) Crapp which occurred last Friday. The late Mr Crapp was the. son of Mr Sidney Crapp late surveyor-gen-eral to the Government. It was he who first surveyed the difficult route of the first road through to Gisborne. His uncle was the late. Captain Crapp a well known Maori war veteran of Tauranga. Born 61 years; ago at Opotiki,, the late Mr S. J. Crapp received his early schooling and there commenced farming. His enthusiasm and energy made him prominent in numerous movements in that town but his main interest rested in the volunteer movement which, was then gaining widespread popularity. He founded the main troops, in the Eastern Bay of Plenty and in 1902 was appointed Lieutenant over the Opotiki, Taneatua and Wliakatane mounted sections. When war broke out in 1914. his military experience made, him admirably suited for the training of Maori volunteers for the Maori Battalion and to this end he did, excellent work throughout the Bay of Plenty as a permanent instruc--1 tor. In the present war his sons have carried on the high tradition and it was his proud reflection that of his seven boys,, six had seen service (five overseas). These were W. 0.1. Roland Crapp,, Gnr Heta Crapp, L/C pi Jack Crapp, Lieut Lawson Crapp, Dvr Raymond Crapp and Walter Crapp (discharged). He moved. t9 Wliakatane some 38 years ago when he. married Miss Elizabeth Mair, daughter of tlic late Captain Gilbert Mair of Ohopc, who will be remembered as one of the leading authorities on the Maori wars. His leadership made him instrumental in many other directions particularly in sport. He helped initiate, the first, Rugby football union, the first Cridket Association and the inauguration of the Rowing Club. He had vivid memories of. the first regatta of the latter organisation in 1912. Ita 1913,, he banded the waterside workers together in the Eastern ]3ay of Pleny and founded the first union. It is noteworthy in passing tO' record, that he held, the position of president, of this; union u,p till the time of his death in an unbroken sequence for 30 years. An all-round sportsman he will be long remembered for his varied activities apd good companionship. He was noted for his many kindnesses and neighbourly acts and his passing gave rise to much profound sorrow. The deepest sympathy is extended to his widow and family. At the funeral last Saturday the pall bearers were all men returned from the present conflict, a fitting tribute to one who lias so much military tradition in his; iamily. Besides his widow he leaves a family of eight, those previously in this notice and Mr Eddie Crapp and Miss Peggy Crapp both of Whakatane. There are four grand children.