OBITUARY

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2467, 15 August 1922, Page 2

OBITUARY

WALTER BOCK, AGED G 9 YEARS. We. regret to record the tragically sudden death of Mr Walter Bock,-i-, which took place at his residence, Lady’s Mile, after a brief illness at I. o’clock on Sunday morning—■ two days after the passing of his wife, whose death occurred at 2.30 o’clock on Friday morning. Up to the middle of last -week Mir Bock was about town, to all appearance in his usual health. He contracted a chill, which confined him to his bed on Thursday, pneumonia set in and despite all that medical skill could do, he .succumbed to the disease. Prior to his wife’s death, he became unconscious and except for a brief period, -when he was able to recognise his brother, who was in attendance, he never rallied and passed away shortly after his life partner, and -without the knowledge of her decease. The news of his death, following so close on that of his wife, cast quite a gloom over the town and expressions of regret Were heard on all hands. The body was taken to All Saints’ Church yesterday at noon, where a short and impressive ceremony was conducted by the Rev. W. Walton, prior to the remains being transferred to Featherston, where they will be laid to rest by the side of his wife and X daughter. All business premises ' yvere closed for a brief period yesterday'as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased townsman. The casket was covered with a number of beautiful) floral tributes from friends and various local bodies, As the body was borne from the church, the “Dead March in Saul,” was played by the organist. Among those present were the chairman (Mr J. Linklater) and members of the Harbour Board, the Mayor (Mr John Chrystall), and Councillors, the chairman (Air F. S. Easton) and members of the Moutoa Drainage Board, president of the Chamber of Commerce (Air A. N. Smith), . and other representative public men. Among the relatives were the deceased’s brother (Air William R. Bock) and deceased’s nephews. The pall bearers were ex-employees of Air Bock, namely, Alessrs R. Hynes, F. Spiers, Roy and Robert Coley, J. Aladden and E. Francis. A number of citizens on foot and in motor cars followed the hearse through the town.

The late Air Bock was born in Hobart, Tasmania, and came to New Zealand about 4G years ago. By a strange coincidence, the sailing vessel in which lie was to have originally come to New Zealand was lost with all hands. Upon arriving in New Zealand) he accepted a tion with the late Air AT. Gaselberg J of Greytown. He subsequently took up the position of clerk to several local bodies and was held in high esteem throughout the Wadrarapa. He came to Foxton about 1G years ago and engaged in the hemp industry, first as partner v r ith Air H. Coley and later on his own account. A few years ago he disposed of his flaxmilling interests and gave his attention to furthering the welfare of the local port. In this respect, he officiated as secretary and treasurer and later became a member of the Foxton Harbour Board. His services to the Board from its initial stages onwards were invaluable and gratis and the measure of his work and ejithnsiasm on behalf of the port during its negotiations' with the Government and on behalf of the seaside endowment, and the purchase of the dredge stand out as a monument of unselfish public servee. Apart from this he 'acted as secretary to the Aloutoa Di’ainage Board and was guide, philosopher and friend to that body. He did much to popularise the local seaside resort and was generous and open-handed to all deserving and.charitable objects. During the war he contributed liberally to the local patriotic efforts. * In fact his acts of generosity—such as are known —are too numerous to mention. Foxton to-day mourns the loss of a citizen of which any community might feel proud / and many in our midst have lost a friend. His passing will leave a gap in the activities of our little town which it will be hard to fill. As an employer he was held in the highest respect for his fair and honourable dealing. Like the Arabs of old ho folded his tent in the night and as silently stole away, but his works' do follow hivn and will be an incentive to others. His acts of charity were done in secret. He leaves three brothers (Alessrs William R. Bock, of Wellington; F. S. and A. Bock of Australia) to mourn their loss and to whom the sympathy of the Foxton public will he extended. The interment will take place at Featherston this afternoon. At last night’s Borough Council • meeting the Alayor, in moving a vote of sympathy to the relatives, paid a graceful tribute to the ’life and work of the deceased. The motion f was carried in silence.