OBITUARY.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 8 May 1912, Page 2

OBITUARY.

MR RICHARD MONK.

. Mr Richard Monk, an old and much respected resident of the district, and a leading early settler of Auckland, and at one time a prominent figure in New Zealand politics, passed away on Thursday afternoon at 4.30, at his home, Woodhill, near Holensville, aged 81 years. Mr Monk was born in Lancashire in 1832, and was brought out to this country by his parents while still a child. The family settled in Hokianga, but in 1849 Mr Monk, sen., decided to go to California, the famous '* 'forty-nine " gold rush being then at its height. After some years'residence in that part of the world, tho father returned to England, but J;he son decided to'try his fortune in New Zealand. On his return Mr Monk entered the timber industry, starting a joinery factory. He afterwards formed the Union Saeh and Door Company, with which he retained a connection until 188 1, when he stood, unsuccessfully, for Parliament for the Parnell seat. He entered the House as member for Waiteinata in 1887 but lost the seat three years later/ Waiteinata returne i him by a large majority in 1783, but he was unseated on petition. He regained the seat, however, in 1896, and sat till 1902. Mr Monk in his time was also a member of the Auckland Education Board and the Waitemata County Council. In politics, he was a staunch Oppositionist, and was always noted for his oratorical gifts. One of his last puW lie appearances was at the old colonists' reunion in the Town Hall on December 18 last, at which he spoke with all his old vigour. The la3t time Mr Monk was at a public function in this district was on December 23rd, when he performed the opening ceremony of the Helensville Coronation Publis Library, and although suffering from a severe cold, gave an address that will be long remembered by those who heard him.

The interment took place at the Symond street Cemetery on Saturday a'f-> ternoon, the remains being conveyed to Mt. Eden by special train which also carried a large number ot friends of deceased, who were joined by many representative public and business men at the station, who followed the remains to the grave, while the wide esteem in which Mr Monk was held* was also evidenced in the many and beautiful floral tributes, - To Mr Monk's family and relatives we express our deepest sympathy.