OBITUARY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5100, 14 March 1927, Page 2

OBITUARY.

MR. EDWARD SHAM. By the death in a private hospital on Wednesday last of Mr Edward Shaw, of Paeroa, is removed a wellkil wn and highly popular figure from the town and Qhiuemuri district. Deceased, who was born at Waiuku 59 years ago, came to Ohinemuri with his father, the late Mr Tom Shaw, at the age o'f two, and with the exception o ; f brief intervals had resided in the district ever since and by his unfailing courtesy and sterling worth made a wide circle of friends. The late Mr Shaw was closely identified •with the earlier history of Paeroa, and had the distinction of being the 'fourth oldest member of the Star of Paeroa Druids’ Lodge, and a foundation member of the Paeroa Bowling Club, in addition to being an executive member of the Hauraki Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was always a keen follower o'f racing, and became a member of the Ohinemuri Jockey Club about 30 years ago, and has continuously been a member of the committee and a steward f«r 27 years. His services as a committee man were always given freely, and he has long been recognised as one of the most valuable members the club possessed. In his younger days deceased was a keen rifle shot, and won many distinctions. In 1905 he was selected to go to England and represented New Zealand at. Bisley. In 1909 and 1910 he had tjie honour o'f representing New Zealand riflemen in Australia, and in addition to other trophies he once tied for the New Zealand Championship. In 1900, and again in 1901, he wc.n the distinction of being the best shot in the Auckland province, and in years was classed as the second best shot in the North Island, while in 1910 he became the champion rifle shot of South Auckland. The number of medals and trophies won made a unique display. At the age of 21 years deceased migrated to Australia, where he was engaged in mining at Broken Hill for a couple o'f years. On his return to the Dominion he followed up mining pursuits in the district for some time. Later lie took up quarrying work at Omalhu for the Public Works Department, and was afterwards in charge of quarrying operations during the time the Pae-roa-Waihi railway line was being constructed. It was, while he was engaged at the Karangahake quarry that he received severe injuries through a keg o'f powder accidentally exploding. In 1908 deceased was appointed assistant engineer to the Ohinemuri County Council, and in 1917 was promoted to engineer, which position he held at the time of his death. He was an active volunteer in the early days in Paeroa, and readied the rank of sergeant in the No. 1 company of the Ohinemuri Rifle Volunteers, and the Paeroa Rifle Club. Deceased also held the distinction of being the first pupil when the Paeroa public school was instituted. He married Miss L. Muir, of Auckland, and she, with two sons Messrs L. E. and H. M. Shaw, are. left to mourn their loss. To tire widow and 'family the sincere sympathy of a wide circle of friends is extended Both, in liis official and private life the late Mr Shaw was 'honoured and respected by all with whom he came in contact, and his demise is greatly to be deplored.

The funeral, which took place at tire Pukerimu Cemetery, Paeroa, on Friday atfernoon, was one of the largest seen in Paeroa. The cortege, which extended from the Roman Catholic Church to a point near the. Bank of New Zealand, comprised 58 motor vehicles, as well as several horse-drawn conveyances/and riders on horseback. An impressive service was conducted at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church by the Rev. Father Dunphy, who paid an eloquent tribute to the sterling qualities eif deceased, who, he said, was a loyal friend to all with whom he had been associated. Included in the large crowd which followed the remains to the graveside were the chairmen and members of the Ohinemuri, Hauraki Plains, Piako, and Thames county councils, the Mayor and councillors of Paeroa, Waihi, and representatives from Thames ; officials 'from the local office of tlie Public Works Department, Thames Valley Power Board, and many other institutions, including a large following of the members of the Star of Paeroa Druids in mourning regalia, deceased having been one of the earliest lodge members, and also members of the Ohinemuri Jockey Club and Paeroa Bowling Club. The many dozens of beautiful wreaths and other floral emblems bore silent testimony to the high esteem in which tne deceased was held. The service at the graveside was also performed by the Rev. Father Dunphy, but by special request there was no funeral service recited by the Druids’ Lodge.