IN MEMORIAM

Hokitika Guardian, 28 July 1932, Page 4

IN MEMORIAM

.JOHN JEROME BREEZE. The passing of John Jerome Breeze leaves a vacancy not easily filled. He was a ‘ typical Englishman—of the John Bull type. Yet withal a k indly gentleman who made his mark here, and left a memo.y of pleasant recol,lections. Mr Biveze began life. as. he finished it, brave.y and ready to help these about him. - His early career as a lad in this town, can be known only to a few now, but those who oan recall his ever happy.pikm and the active) life he led, will remember a. youth of good repute and of industrious liabitjj. Mr Breeze roughed it in the cafriy days at Hokitika, arid pasesd to the evening of his clays a. true and. loyal citizen, an o; name in to the town he dwelt in.

Mr Brijeze wais ready always to lend It helping hand. Indeed he was invariably first in the breach when help was requirtd • Nk>' risk or danger daunted him, and withal he was a loyal and ardent friend, a. mian whose word was his bond. He enjoyed a happy philosophy. His outlook on life was rievJr ■ narrow. He was broadminded. How often he would put his hand in his pockcit and find a Useful coin, wa« only known to the needy who called on him. He was generous to the full measure of his which though limited were readily drawn on in. the time of a fellow man’g necessity, He enjoyed life, imbued with the philosophy of Plato, and the rest he has earned now is his portion after a ful’-blooded life of tireless • activity. Mr Breeza was associated, with all local interests. He served long years as a volant ear fireman, he was an enthusiastic volunteer and' 1 bandsman, he was a tee-totaller, and an ornament to the order of Good Temp’ars; he was the father cf frebmasonry and lias held, every office through to capitulary masonry. And what a worker he was in those walks of life, and how he will be missed ! In athletics, b'rd- life’ nodal! outdoor interests, he was an ardent votary. He was a lover of nature. He admired the glorious sdenery of Westland, and. revelled in its wide expanse - of beauty. ■ _ '■ Have you ever travelled with Mr Breeze?. On. such occasions he was a fund of anecdote, and his ’memory was storied with the tales of the stirring early days. He knew every citizen of repute -.who had pass id through public and local government, and .many a. tale lie could unfold of thi sir doings. Hie served himself in local government, Borough Council, Fife Board,, and greatest of ail—Hospital Board. There his service was typical of the man. His earnest.desire to do good, and hUlip the distressed. He had many years of office of faithful service .done without hope of reward or recompense—all fcr the public good of those about him. Such in brief has been the life of Mr Breeze—always a figure about the town. His going out will leave ft blank in Re veil Street, where he has resided these long years—first in the north, then later in the south.. Mr Breeze’s cheery talk, was always a cure for the* blues, and his happy nature fitted him for thte part he has played. He will sleep well. His crown is in the memory of his life and deeds, and it will be fragrant with the recollection of all that was brightest and best in the true-run life of John Jerome Breeze,

OFFICIAL MESSAGES The following *offioial messages have been received by the'Secretary of Westland, Ho.spital Board:— From Hon J. A. Young, Minister of , Health:— “I am very sorry to hear of the decease of your late respected chairman of the Hospital Board and would ask you to please tender to the members of the family my heartfelt sympathy in their sad loss also to your board let me express the regret I feel, not only at the loss oP iso valued a member, but to the community of an outstanding pioneer citizen of the West Coast.” From Hon. Adam Hamilton, Minister of Internal Affairs:— , “I regret to learn that Mr John : Jerome Breeze passed away. Kindly I convey my deepest sympathy to his \ relatives.” From Hr. M. H. Watt, Inspector of Hospital:— “Would you please convey to Mrs Breeze and family an expression of deepest sympathy of myself and officers in the passing of one who has been a shining example of long arid honourable public service.” From Dr. Valintine, late Inspector of Hospitals:— “Profound regf't to hear of the death of your chairman, who so faithfully served your board and district ovei- fifty years. Please give my respectful condolences to Mrs Breeze-,, at the loss of her beloved I usi ord.” From Hospital Boards’ Association : “Kindly convey to relatives and to your board the deep regret of .the President and Executive at the pass- 1 ing of Mr Breeze, who was so highly esteemed by all.”