OBITUARY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4794, 31 December 1924, Page 2

OBITUARY.

> — ■ MR. FREDERICK JOHN WELLS. A well-known and highly respected businessman and resident of Paeroa in the person of Mr Frederick John Wells died suddenly at his business premises in Belmont Road early on Sunday morning. The late Mr Wells had been in ill-health during the last two years, but his sudden death was unexpected, and created profound constellation. He had only recently returned from a three weeks’, liealth"rec’uiting trip to the South Island, and appeared to lie much improved by the holiday. Deceased rose early, as was his custom, on Sunday morning and told his wife that he was going foi it stroll. As he did not return one of the sons went along to the shop and found his father lying dead near the back door of the premises. Di. Little was summonel, but he could only pronounce life to be extinct. As the deceased Lad been under medical treatment a certificate as to the cause of death was forthcoming

\n exceptionally large and representative gathering attended the fuaera’ yesterday afternoon, the large cortege and beautiful floral emblems bearing a striking tribute fc the higa esteem and veneration in which deceased was held. The late Mr Wells \vas born nt Taraiv.. Thames, fifty years ago, and was educated at the Taiaru and Thames schools. iOn leaving school he entered the butchery business with his father at Thames, and after serving hit apprenticeship he established a business of his own at Karangahake which he. controlled for six years. He then entered business in Morrinsville, where he remained for about twelve months. Eight years ago deceased established himself in business in Paeroa under the name of F, J. Wells and Sons. During his residence in Paeroa and district deceased made a wide circle of friends, and by his courtesy and thorough sportsmanship was held in high esteem ny all with whom he came in contact. The late Mr Wells was an ardent supporter of Rugby, and up to the time o> his death he held the position of vice-president of the West Football Club. Of late years he took a keen interest in bowls, and had the proud distinction of being champion of champions of the Golclfelds clubs. During the 1922 season he was president ol the Paeroa Bowling Club, and at the time of his death was a member of the executive committee. Deceased was a devoted husband and father, and was always looked upon as a loyal and upright citizen whose loss to the town and district will be keenly felt Deceased was a member of the Ohinemuri Masonic Lodge. The funeral service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. R. Morgan, and the Masonic burial service was impressively delivered by P.M. Bro. B. Gwilliam in the presence of a large gathering of brethren, six of whom acted as pall-be.arers. The -sincere sympathy of a wide circle of friends is extended to Mrs Wells, one daughter, and five sons, who are left to mourn his loss. MR. WILLIAM MEIMIUIIST. The death occurred under distressing circumstances yesterday morning of Mr William Medhurst, of Queen Street, Paeroa. The deceased, who had been suffering with eyesight affliction during the past year, was found drowned in the Ohinemuri River a short distance from his residence early yesterday, having apparently accidentally slipped into the river when "'emptying a tin of rubbish. Deceased was a highly respected resident of Paeroa for many years. In the early days, before the advent or the railway, he was connected with the coaching business between Oxford (Tiratl) and Rotorua, Cambridge, and Hamilton. Later, he came to Paeroa, and was engaged by the late Mr George Crosby in the coach serviced between Paeroa and the goldfields. The premises at present occupied by Messrs Brenan and Co., Ltd., were in those days large livery and bait stables, and were eventually purchased by Mr Medhurst, who conducted them in conjunction with a taxi service. About four years ago he disposed of the business to Brenan and Co, and with his son, Mr R. W. Medhurst, established a taxi service at his late residence in Queen Street, Deceased was of a retiring disposition, and took no active part in public affairs.

The body was conveyed to Cambridge by train this morning, and the funeral will take place at Cambridge on arrival of the train this afternoon. The sympathy of a wide circle of friends goes out to the widow, one daughter, and one son, who are left to mo’.’.rn their loss.