OBITUARY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3572, 7 December 1926, Page 2

OBITUARY.

1 WILLIAM STGANL, AGED GG YEARS. The death took place at his residence, Norbiton Rd., Foxton, on Sunday evening, of William Signal, in his sixty-sixth year. About a week prior to his death, Mr Signal, while temporarily filling the position of pilot during the absence of Captain Larsen, had a heart seizure at thg pilot station in the early morning. He was conveyed to his home and for a few days his condition was critical. He, however, rallied, and appeared to be making a satisfactory recovery. On Sunday evening he had another seizure and succumbed. For some months prior to his passing he had been in very indifferent health. From boyhood he had led a strenuous life and, was possessed of a powerful physique, and inactivity was foreign to his nature, despite warnings. The late Mr Signal was born at Wanganui, where he served portion of his apprenticeship to the engineering trade at Mrrray’s, completing at Cable’s foundry, Wellington. He subsequently joined the Government steamer, Hinemoa, under Captain Fairchild, which vessel he left to join Messrs Levin and Co. about 40 years ago, with which firm he has been associated up to the present. He and Captain Harvey were in the s.s. Napier and s.s. Queen of the South, (he latter perhaps the best- - known coaster in the Dominon. Mr Signal was commissioned on two occasions to go to Scotland to supervise the building of the s.s. Himatangi and s.s. Awahou, and accompanied both vessels out. About 20 years ago he left Wellington and settled in Foxton, where he has sin.ce supervised the shipping for Messrs Levin and Co. His thorough and practical knowledge of coastal shipping conditions was unsurpassed. He was for a time a member of the Foxton Harbour Board and, apart from his' membership, has rendered invaluable services to the Board and port. He also served as a member of the local school committee. As a citizen and in his dealings with men he was- as straight as a die and the soul of honour. To use an hackneyed expression, he called “a spade a spade” but was incapable of a mean action. To know William Signal was to respect him for his sterling worth. He was a devoted husband and father and to' the bereaved amlj stricken widow and family we join with the general public in extending to them our sympathy. The sons are Harry (Te Horo), and William (Wellington) and Mesdarnes G. J. Honore and L. Bullard (Foxton). .4 liliJß The interment will take place tomorrow (Wednesday) the .cortege leaving liis late residence, Norbiton Rd., for the local cemetery at 1.30 pan. At ast night’s meeting of tlie local District High School Committee a vote of sympathy was passed to the widow and family of the late Mr W. Signal and special reference was made to his services as. an ex-mem-ber of the committee by the chairman (Mr Woods) and Messrs J. K. llornblow and M. E. Perreau. The secretary was also instructed to forward a floral tribute on behalf of the committee.