DEVOUT CHURCHMAN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19998, 25 July 1939, Page 4

DEVOUT CHURCHMAN

MR. LEICESTER REDWARD MANY YEARS IN GTSBORNE DEATH OCCURS AT NAPIER The death occurred in Napier on Sunday of Mr. Leicester Redward, formerly well known in Gisborne and one of the most loyal and devout communicants of the Anglican Church. Mr. Redward was in his ninetieth year, and in. the past two years had been failing gradually, his death not being unexpected to those in this district who had had recent contact with him.

Born in England, Mr. Redward came to New Zealand as a young man, aud settled in Hawke’s Bay. He took up clerical work and became associated with Messrs. Williams and Kettle, Ltdremaining in their employ until his retirement eight or nine years ago. Latterly he had been residing in Napier with his daughter, Mrs. Geo. Chisholm, whose husband was recently appointed to the magistracy.

•Mr. Redward was widowed 45 years ago, and lost one of his two daughters as the result of an accident which occurred in Gisborne some years ago.

During his residence in this district he was a leading member of the congregation of Holy Trinity Church, noted for his devotion to the church and occupying the post of treasurer in the vestry. He also took a keen interest in the military training scheme in the old days, and was an officer of the cadet battalion. For a number of years, too, he took a leading part in Boy Scout affairs, and was one of the early commissioners for Gisborne.

Mr. Redward was a foundation member of the Poverty Bay Bowling Club, and for several seasons prior to his departure from Gisborne his was a familiar figure on the green. A man of retiring disposition, his regard was valued highly by all who were associated with him, and by his strict adherence to the highest standards ‘he offered an example to every circle which lie touched.