OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 230, 26 June 1944, Page 4

OBITUARY

Mr. George Spriggens

The death in Wanganui of -Mr. George Spriggens, aged 81. is reported by a “Dominion” Special Service message. Born in Hertfordshire, England. on April 2(1. 1863. Mr. Spriggens camo to New Zealand with his parents in 1874, arriving in Wanganui shortly after. A former president of the New Zealand Rugby Union, ho bud the distinction of being a life member of that body and also a member of the Wanganui Rugby Union. Mr. Spriggons made his first acquaintance with the game in 1880, when he played for the old V olunteer Fire Brigade Rugby team. After his playing days were over he continued to take a keen interest in the administration of the game and served a long term as union president. Sport of all kinds found in him a liberal patron, and as tribute to his work and valued service to Rugby in Wanganui Spriggons Park was named. When the park was opened after alterationsJn 1027 Mr. Spriggons gave the gates nt the entranee. A valued member of the Wanganui Volunteer Fire Brigade for 35 years. Mr. Spriggons hold the rank of superintendent, for a long period. He was president of the Now Zealand United Fire Brigades Association in 1913 when the association’s gathering was hold in Wanganui. In all. Mr. Spriggons served for 14 years on the Wanganui Eire Board, from 1923 to 1931. and from 1’335 to 1941. He was chairman from June, 1929, to Juno. 1934. For 15 years Mr. Spriggens was president, of the Wanganui Cosmopolitan Club and was the last surviving foundation member. He was a life member of the Rangitikei Racing Club and Waverley Racing Club and also of the Wanganui Bowling Club. Mrs-. Spriggons pre-deceased her husband about 15 years ago. Surviving members of the family are three sons and five daughters. The sons are Messrs. Fred. Roy and Claude Spriggons (Wnngnnui) and the daughters are Mesdantos J. A. McGrath (Wanganui). .1. I’. McGrath (Wanganui). S. A. C. Darby (Palmerston North). J. A. Farrell (Wanganui), and Courtney (Wellington). Mr. James Spriggens. Custlecliff, is a brother.