Mr. Robert Colburn Wright, of Napier

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 60, 27 March 1937, Page 6

Mr. Robert Colburn Wright, of Napier

PROMINENT CITIZEN By the death yesterday, at the Napier Hospital, of Mt Eohert Colburn Wright, Napier lost one of its most publicspirited citizens. The late Mr Wright was born-in Dunedin and educated at the Arthur Street School there, also attending art classes, and taking a course in commercial art. Coming to Napier about 40 years ago, he joined the staff of Blythe and Co., having succeeded the late Mr John Eingland in charge of the firm's mercery department. After a few years he and Mr Reardoh, cutter for Blythe 's tailoring department, joined forces, entered into partnership and established the firm of Eeardon and Wright, tailors and mercers. Although after a few years Mr Eeardon left Napier, he still for a time retained an interest in the firm until it was formed into a limited liability company under the name of Eeardon and Wright, Ltd. A mai of sterling character, of a restless, progressive and 'indomitable spirit under a quiet exterior, the late Mr Wright possessed a civic pride which made him an inspiration to his fellow-citizens and a leader in Avery movement for the benefit and welfare of the community among which he lived. To enumerate the many public bodies and societies with which the late Mr Wright has been connected is to mention practically every society that has had any bearing or influence on Napier 's civic .life for the past thirty or more years. He was one of the original promoters of the Napier Thirty Thousand Club, and the wonderful work done in beaufcifying and modernising the Marino Parade, the - cxeation of a children 's playground, and -also the construction of the Sound SheU were all movements largely initiated by him. He was a member of the Napier Borough Council for two years, and a J-B. for a goodly : number. of years. He was also. one of the. promoters and the first secretary of the . Napier Competitions Society, a position he occupied for some years, afterwards becoming president. He was also' one of ' the prime . movers in organising the Napier Sh'opping Week, of which he was always a stro'ng advocate. / He ' was . first president of the Napier Aero Club', and a strong 'supporter. ,

He was keenly * mterested m . Horticulture, and his assistance in the efforts to beautify the town, to have scenic reserves set aside in various places, and to preserve the native bush and encourage * the * growth of native plants has been of great value to the many movements of that nature in which he became interested. The setting-aside of the Tangoio bush and portion of tho Puketitiri bush as scenic and forestry reserves was largely due to his initiative. He was also a member 'of the Ividnappers Sanqtuary Board. It was perhaps, however, his interest in educational matters almost more than any other which gave Mr Wright so prominent a place in the town's affairs and in its progress. • He was- a member of the Napier Central School Committee for some years and chairman for a time, and was always a powerful advocate of the establishment of a Technical School for Napier. He became a member of the Board of Goyernors of the Napier Technical School from the time it was established until the time of the earthquake of 1931, when it was merged in the Napier Intermediate School. He was a member of the High School Board of Governors for some years as representative of the Napier Technical College Board. He was one of the promoters of, and president of the Napier Technical Memorial Band. It may be truly said that there has been no movement for the welfare and progress of Napier since Mr Wright 's arrival that has not received Mr Wright '& active support and co-opera-tion. A man of such force of character ahd abounding energy can do much for fche community among which he resides, and Mr Eohert Colburn Wright 's name will ever be associated with all of those movements which have helped to make Napier an attractive town, and a progressive town, and there has been no citizen who visualised the town's future in such optimistie vein as did he who has just passed away and who, in his day, di.d so much for that town. Apart from his public activities there was no kindlier man or more staunch friend than Mr Wright. He leaves a widow, three sons, Messrs Arnold, Melvyn, and Eobert, one daughter, Mrs E. Kilpatrick, six grandchildren, two brothers, Mr Joe Wright, of Hastings, Mr Frank Wright, of Outram, Otago, and one sister, Miss S. Wright, of Mosgiel. To all of these in their bereavement, the deep sympathy of a very wide circle of friends will be extended. The funeral took place this afternoon at three o'clock.'