OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 46, 18 November 1926, Page 10

OBITUARY

MR. WALTER HILL DOYEN OF WOOL BUYERS Dominion Special. Christchurch, November 17. Mr. Walter Hill, a well-known citizen of Christchurch, died early this morning, after an illness lasting only a few davs. Last Wednesday Mr. Hill attended the races at Riccarton, and "while descending the steps from the grandstand slipped and fell, Ins head striking one of the concrete steps. Although very seriously hurt by tlie fall, Air. Hill was able to rise to his feet and walk, to his car, th which be was driven to his home. About 9.30 the same evening Air. Hill lapsed into semi-consciousness, from which he never recovered. On Mondav he was taken to the Lewisham Hospital, where an urgent operation was performed, and it was found chat he was suffering from haemorrhage of the brain. Air. Hill was very well known throughout the Dominion las a • wool buver for the past 36 years He was one of the founders of th£ Wool Buyers’ Association, mid was the chairman of the association up to the time of his death. He was chairman of the Christchurch .Drainage Board continuously since February, 1907. Mr. Hill,, who was 66 years of age, is survived by bis wife and two He was born near Bradford, England, and came to New Zealand in 1891. The late Air. Hill came to New Zealand about 35 years ago, and established hinfself in Christchurch as a wool buyer. He operated on his own account, and also for James Hill and Son, an old-established top-mak-ing and wool merchant firm in Bradford. Air. Hill soon became the principal wool buyer in New Zealand, and maintained that position to the last, as evidenced by the fact that his seat was the central-one in the benches. He was essentially a strong man—strong and decided in his views regarding the market position and mospects, and was able to size up the position quickly, and was always ready to back his opinions. He made his influence felt in every saleroom in New Zealand. He was president of the New Zealand Woolbuyers’ Association, and had a great deal to do in the reorganisation of the sales throughout the Dominion, and represented the wool buyers in all negotiations that took place between tf.at bodv and the Woolbrokers’ Association during the past thirty years. He was the doven of the wool buyers, and was known bv everyone in the wool trade from Auckland to Invercargill. About three vears ago. the tjvo sons were taken into the firm, which has since been known as Walter Hill and Sons.