MR H. DAMPIERCROSSLEY

Press, Volume C, Issue 29507, 8 May 1961, Page 19

MR H. DAMPIERCROSSLEY

A Tribute

[Specially written for "The Press" by W.R.L.I

The Amberley Racing Club meeting on Saturday was held withimt a president. Mr Harry Dantpier-Crossley had finished his course. His absence was a sorrowful circumstance to many, for he was a ’man of much kindliness and wide respect in North Canterbury. From those childhood days when he rode his pony to the Waikuku School he was a lover of the outdoor life and sporting field. The blood of sea rover and pioneer was in his veins. He was happier behind a scrum of college forwards than in front of a Via Latina in the classroom. For him the open spaces!

In preparation for a country life he went to Australia and jackerooed for three years in the warm inlands lying west of Orange and of Bourke. It was another call that took him to the deserts of Egypt and the fields of France. He was held in high esteem by the men who fought the mortars. And then home to the hills of Eskhead and the downs of Cranford. The former with its thick cob walled homestead and the latter with its modern reception rooms were soon to be the very svmbols of Amuri hospitality. The happy home of Mr and Mrs Dampier-Crossley was known for its Open door.

“Little Harry’’—as hosts of friends were wont to call him—was a great nature lover. He liked the silver tussock and the speckled trout, the hunter and the sheep-dog. His marked quality was his naturalness and his great popularity traced from knowing a simple way to the hearts of friends.

That was why the chairman on Saturday, in paying tribute to his work for club and district, said their president would be so sadly missed.