Obituary

Chronicle (Levin), 8 November 1948, Page 2

Obituary

MR. COLIN CAMERON HOLI JES The passing of Mr. C. C. Holmes, ^which occurred with tragic suddenness on Wedne'sday last, removes a well-known and outstand- • ing personality in Horowhenua and Wairarapa farming circles. Mr. Holmes was the youngest son of the late Mr. James S. -Holmes, of Wellington, and grandson of the late Hon. Matthew Holmes, M.L.C., of Southland an'd North Otago. Born in Oamaru, he was educated at Waitaki High School and later at Edinburgh University. He was a keen sportsman and represented the University at rugby football, cricket and golf. On leaving the University he went to Western Canada and worked on several large cattie ranches, later returning to New Zealand, where he farme'd at Southland and still later managed his father's station, Tiramea, at Alfredton, Wairarapa. He served with the military forces 'during 1916-18, and on his release from the army he farmed at Manakau until 1933, when . he moved to Otaki, wnere he resided until the time of his death. Mr. Holmes was a man of wide outlook an'd, besides taking a great interest in the welfare of the farming community as a whole, local affairs also were the richer for his support. He took a particular interest in the formation of the Young Farmers' Club movement and was active witn Federated Farmers, being chairman of the Meat and Wool Section executive in tne Manawatu district. He was also chairman of the Manawaru Hill Country branch of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council. As an honorary Justice of the Peace, he was at all times an active member of this association. A very keen and well-known golfer in his younger days, his interest in sport never waned. He represented the Otaki district 011 the Wellington Acclimatisation Society for many years, and was instrumental in the formation of the Otaki branch. He was himself a keen fisherman. Mr. Holmes was a member of the Presbyterian Church and, with others, worked hard to ensure the buil'ding of Chalmers Church at Otaki, where he acted as organist for some years. His wife and adult family of three will have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends in their bereavement.