OBITUARY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 17, 16 April 1947, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR ROBERT TELFER THOM In the death of Constable Robert Telfeb Thom, many residents of Whakatane lost a tried and trusted friend and neighbour. Born in the settlement of Wedderburn, Otago in 1899, the late Constable Thom was educated at Woodville and at Takapau where his father, also a member of the Police Force, was stationed.

On leaving school he went on his father’s farm at Havelock North, where he quickly showed an aptitude for all classes of sport. He represented Hawke’s Bay at Rugby, and figured in other field athletics. After a short period in the P. and T. service, he joined the Police Force in 1929 and was stationed first at Wellington city, where he remained for seven years. In 1936 he was transferred to Gisborne and was transferred from there some five years later to Whakatane. > Constable Thom made friends easily and became popular wherever he was posted. Ha was a member of the Masonic Order and the Forrester’s Lodge. The funeral took place at the Whakatane Hill Cemetery" and was attended by a, large number of friends from all parts. The church service was conducted by Rev. H. Bell, and the bearers were members of the Police Force drawn from the Gisborne district. The Masonic service at the graveside was conducted by W.M. S. S. Armstrong.

The late Mr Thom leaves a widow and two children, Misses Robyn and Judith Thom both of Whakatane. To them is extended the sympathy of the district.

MR EDWIN REECE Death has removed one of the oldest and most highly respected residents of Opotiki in the person of Mr Edwin Reece. Mr Reece passed away peaceful at his residence, King Street, Opotiki, after a very brief illness, and had reached the advanced age of nearly 87 years. Born in Salop, England in 1860, Mr Reece emigrated to New Zaland with his parents anrd arrived at Auckland in 1866 in the sailing ship Nimrod. With the exception of two years spent in Auckland upon arrival, Mr Reece resided in Opotiki up to the time of his death.