OBITUARY

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1923, Page 3

OBITUARY

LEONARD NORTH CROFT. JOURNALIST. Cable advice from South Alrica to-day reported the death of Mr Leo Xortlieroft, well-known here some twenty years ago as an active pressman, and proprietor of the ‘‘West Const Times” prior to the Hokitika morning paper being taken over by a proprietary company. Mr Xorthorofi was a native of New Plymouth and aged ahum 70. lfc was a hanker at the outset of his career, and later took up agency work here, having an office in Rcvcil street. He was .Secretary for many years to the Mont l)'or Goldminiug Company. He look tip journalism when ill conjunction with Ale-sis Pollock and Bevan the "West Const Times” was purchased front Mr H. C. Reid. Mr Northcruft became editor of the morning paper, and having the pen of a ready writer, soon made his mark as a noted leader writer. Mr Xortlicrnfi had a knowledge of .Maori lore and wrote many interesting articles nn the early days of the West Coast before Europeans came this way. I!" was the local correspondent also for the "Lyttelton Times” and other outside newspapers, and did much to publish abroad the resources of the district. Mr Nortlicrolt took an active part in the public life of the community, lie served as a member of the Hokitika Borough Council, doing useful litmneial work; also as a member of the Westland County Council, ei "hioh body lie was Chairman at lhe beginning of the present toiituiy. Mr Nortlicrolt was also for a term a member of the W estland Land Board and oilier bodies, including the Hospital Trustees. He was a keen outdoor snort, faking an ardent interest in cricket and tennis, and was a prominent member ol the Westland Racing Club, lie was a capable representative on all these bodies, doing Hie eominunity much valued service. For some vears now lie has been resident ill Johannesburg and ol her parts of South Africa, whither members of his family had gone to settle. Mr Norlheroft wax married to a daughter of the late Police Inspector James, who resided in Hokitika, and Mrs Xnrlherr.ft is at present residin ' with her youngest son. Mr Coo. Northcml I, at Matainui. Eolith Westland. Two daughters of the family reside in South Afrn a. lid! h ma I l ied. I hrec sons v-cri also resident in Africa, hut I lie eldest soil Stanley, died a few months ago. Other sons residing m Alrica are Messrs Ernest and Cyril Nortlicroff. and Mr Eriina Norlhendt in Hamilton. North Island. The last named performed important military service in the late war.

Afanv friends here will recall Air Northenift and his services to the district, and will sympathise with Airs Nurtlieroft and family in their bereavement, Tu his day, he was a loremost citizen and played a notable part over many years in the intimate history of the district, both in regard to local and general polities.