MR. G. E. SMITH

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 83, 4 October 1940, Page 9

MR. G. E. SMITH

Mr. George Edward Smith, who died at his h0me,.79 Marsden Street, Lower Hutt. yesterday, was a well-known public man, and in his early years noted in rowing circles. He was born in Wellington in 1856, and educated at a school on the site of what is now St. Peter's Church. After leaving school he move* to Auckland, serving his apprenticeship in the cabinetmaking trade, and afterwards joining the Public Works Department, in which he rose to chief inspector. He retired some 20 years ago, and about that time made his home in Lower Hutt, when

he entered the building trade in which he was engaged for several years.

While in Auckland he was an enthusiastic volunteer, arid became chief petty officer of the Ponsonby Naval Artillery. His chief recreation was rowing. At the Auckland regatta in 1881 he was stroke of the champion fours, and when he returned to Wellington he joined the famous Dolly Varden crew, and rowed stroke throughout the crew's unbeaten record. Later Mr. Smith interested himself in local affairs, being a member of several school committees, and one of the founders of the Wellington Ratepayers' Association. He was a prominent personality in the Greater Wellington scheme, and a strong advocate of rating on unimproved values. Ho declined a request by the late Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon to enter politics.

Mr. Smith had a long and distinguished career in Freemasonry. He joined Lodge Waterloo in 1905 and was one of the oldest Past Masters of the Lodge. He was honoured by the Grand Lodge of New Zealand with the rank of Past Grand Deacon. In other branches of Masonry he also served with distinction, particularly in the order of the Rose Croix, Wellington Chapter, and some years ago the governing body of the order in England conferred upon him the 31st Degree. Throughout Wel^nSton and indeed throughout New Zealand he was highly esteemed for his services and his personal character in which great uprightness and sincerity of purpose were united to a most kindly, charitable, and Christian disposition.

Only a few months ago Mr. and Mrs. George Smith received the congratu-

lations of a wide circle of friends upon celebrating their diamond wedding. ! Mr. Smith is survived :by his wife, two sons, and. two daughters, all of whom are married. :The funeral will take place from Crofts. Chapel, King's Crescent, Lower Hutt, at 2 p.m. to morrow.