MR. G. H. RAMSBOTHAM

Chronicle (Levin), 13 May 1946, Page 4

MR. G. H. RAMSBOTHAM

The death of y'et another of Levin's early residents occurred last, vveek, when Mr. G. H. Ramsbothattl passed away at his residence in -Levin. The late gentleman was borh at Cfowborough, Sussex, in 1875, and tmigrated to New Zealand at the age of sixteen. His parents remained in England, but made several visits to New Zealand In later years. The late Mr. Ramsbotham comrnenced farming on Kapiti Island and continued there for a number of • years before going to Waikanae and finally to Levin, where he had a farm in Queen Street. He went overseas during the 1914-18 war with the Fifth Reinforcements, and was returned to New Zealand in 1916 for discharge as unfit for service, haVing lost an eye and being wounded in the leg. The late Mr. Ramsbotham had always taken a keen interest in local and sportihg affairs, especially in the Maori race, but his most prominent interest was in books and reading. He was the possessor of a large and comprehensive library, containing thousands of pounds worth of books, which included valuable first editions. This library is reputed to be one of the most complete private Collections in the country, The late gentleman was well-known for his ready financial assistahce to ahy local enterprise. He retired about thirty years ago. The funeral was held on Friday last, the pall-bearers being Messrs d. W. Rimmer, E. M. Ryder, J. Hannan, J. Vernon, J. Macdon&.ld and R. A. Prouse. The service was condlicted s by .the Rev. G. B. StoteBlandy.