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Hokitika Guardian, 4 March 1930, Page 4

The passing of the Hon. Henry Leslie -U.ICHEL removes one of the most notabiie figures from the public life of VVestland. Mr Michel was a lad when he came to Hokitika with his parents, in the sixties, and soon entered on the battle of life. He made an early start in life, but went bravely on to carve out his own future. He was of an active nature, and entered into the me of the community with interest. He soon was taking part in local amenities', and that ..spirit clarified him on through life, 'there were few activities in the town and district with which Mr Michel was not more or less active, both in public and private life. Probably he held more chairmanships than most men, for his ability and enthusiasm as a leader were recognised, and his services were welcomed always to lead and direct local concerns. In many, many ways lie served the people unselfishly, freely giving his time and his talents to the public service. He won high office in all directions. His/civic career wa.‘ outstanding, and first as a Councillor and later as Mayor, he gave of his best. Tne present water-supply was inaugurated in his time, a convenience no worked for persistently. In the cause of education lie did good service also. He was closely associated with the Westland Education Board, and continued his activities on the High School Board up to the time of his demise 1 . He had long service in Fire Brigade work, and held High . office in the organisation of the Asso- . dated Brigades. It was due to his [ initiative that the annual conferences , and competitions of the Association i were held in Hokitika- in years gone by before the means of communication were as convenient as in these times. In volunteering he was a leading spirit in the old days of the First Westland rtities, while in craft masonry he was up to the time of his death a prominent and interested worker, having held the highest ranks also in capitular freemasonry. He was one of the oldest freemasons associated with the early lodges founded here, and during bis lifetime gave very faithful service to the order. He was active in church life, being a warden of All Saints’ Church over many decades, and was associated ultimately with the whole work of the Church. Of his interest in public life he paid great attention to shipping matters, was connected with the Harbor Board for a- long term;, and was a ship-owner for years back. Lately he gave much attention to the work of the Beautifying Society, and was the moving spirit in organising its operations for the public good. His ( connections with clubs and such like organisations were manifold. As pat-1 ron, president or other active head, he has been prominent in many local institutions and organisations, doing a wealth of work for the benefit of those about him. Tn the political arena Mr Michel earned a seat in the Legislative Council, which honorable position lie held at the time of his demise. Ho was a candidate on different occasions for the Lower House, and in the contests always polled heavily, carrying in his spirited campaigns, a large volume of public support with him,

and his eventual call to the Upper House was considered a well-earned rewalrd for services so well and faithfully rendered. In a life of such activities there was scope for much good work. Mr Michel filled all his positions with zeal and earnestness, and the district is the richer for his enterprises and the value of his leadersnip as a public man. He built up a largo merchandise business and conducted it in such a way that it is still steadily expanding. His was a life of wide activities' and lie has left his mark. He was a man who had to make his opportunites, and use them for the public good. Mr Michel, by nis great public service over a very lengthy period, and his keen and active lite in and about the people, always seeking to serve and uplift, has left a record which will long be honored in the minds of the people. He had won the respect and appreciation of all about him, and very genuine and sincere will be the regret felt at the loss of one who made s wide an appeal to all. The sympathy which will go out to his wife and family will be heartfelt. Mrs Michel was a helpmate who went through life with Mr Michel, sharing all his hopes and ambitions, and helping him in every way possible. A respected family is left with Mrs Michel to mourn an honoured father and beloved husband, and for them in their sad bereavement very true sympathy is felt and is to-dgy being expressed on all sides. The town has lost one of its best citizens, and one who has served 11 zealously, with an impersonal interest for more than half a century.