THE LATE MR. GEO. C. COLEY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3577, 18 December 1926, Page 2

THE LATE MR. GEO. C. COLEY.

Brief .mention was made in one last issue to the death of Mr Geo. C. Coley,'which took place at his late residence, Cook St., on Thursday afternoon, after a lingering illness, at the age of 70 years. Up to a few years ago, the late Air Coley took an active interest in local public affairs, and was one of Foxton’s best known citizens. For over a quarter of a century he was a member of the Borough Council and had he so desired, could have occupied the Mayoral chair. His practical knowledge was invaluable to the local governing body and his criticisms of municipal affairs were couched in unmistakable language. He served continuously on the school committee for a similar period and gave of his best for the educational welfare of children. He was also a member of the Fire Board and one of the oldest members and an official of the Fox ton Racing Club. He gave liberally in support of local athletic clubs and no genuine case of distress brought under his notice passed unaided. The late Mr Coley was born in Auckland and subsequently accompanied his parents to Foxtou. For many years he engaged in the carrying business between Wellington, Foxton and Wanganui, and in this connection was well-known to old settlers up and down the coast. The opening up of the Manawatu railway compelled him to go out of the carrying business and he turned his attention to flaxmilling and general contracting. Some years ago lie purchased a farm at Ilimatangi where, for a time, he resided prior to again settling in retirement in Foxton. The late Air Coley was a worthy pioneer and was held in high esteem for his upright dealings. Peace to his ashes.

The late Air Coley leavps a widow, four sons (Messrs James, George, and Leslie, Foxton, and Percy, Dnnnevirke), live daughters (Alesrlamos R. Lord and C. Hitehings, of Palmerston X., Airs J. Donaldson, Waikato; Airs A. Lee, Foxton; and Airs W. Hebditch, Frank ton). There are also thirty grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Messrs Ilenry (Foxton); Robert (Wellington), Frederick (Australia), Alfred (Palmerston N.), Edward (Wanganui), are brothers and Mesdames Theo. Easton (Foxton) and Russling (Wanganui) are sisters of the late Air Coley. A silent tribute to the memory of the late Mr Coley was paid by the children of the local Dilsrict High School yesterday afternoon, at the conclusion of the prize-giving ceremony. Air J. K. Hornblow made reIVicnco to ihe active interest the late Mr Coley had taken in the school for upwards of thirty years as a member of committee, and the children stood in silence for a few seconds as a mark of respect to the memory of deceased. The funeral ceremony took place this afternoon, services at All Saints’ Church and the graveside being conducted by the Rev. W. 11. Walton. There was a large following of mourners and the pall bearers were representative of local bodies. The floral tokens were' numerous and beautiful.