OBITUARY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 181, 2 July 1937, Page 2

OBITUARY

MR GERALD FITZGERALD. The death occurred at his residence in Tinakori Road, Wellington, yesterday, of Mr Gerald Fitz Gerald, a well-known civil engineer and of later years a prominent company director. The deceased gentleman, who was 80 yc.'irs or age, was the eldest eon of that distinguished pioneer, the late Mr James ltd wal'd Fitz Gerald, one of the “Canterbury Pilgrims” (as the first settlers in that province were called), and a member of the Executive Council of New Zealand prior to the establishment of responsible government on May 7, 1856. Later Mr FitzGerald, senr., served with distinction ns Auditor-General, living in a house which stood formerly on the site of the present Hcdeniplorist Monastery, high above Oriental Parade. Mr Gerald Fitz Gerald was born in Christchurch, hut was educated at the old Wellington Grammar School. He studied engineering, became a civil engineer in the employ of the Government, and was responsible for the planning of many early roads and railway routes, being at one time engineer in charge of the Marlborough district. He was in the Government service from 1874 until 1894. Later, when he was appointed trustee in the estate of the late Mr W. H. Levin (who founded the firm of Levin and Co.. Ltd., of Wellington), Mr Fitz Gerald, resigned his position in the Government service and took up his residence in Wellington Pie did not, however, remain idle, being a. most industrious man. but became a partner in the firm of Cl ere and Fitz Gerald, architects and engineers. Mr Fitz Gerald was .an associate member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, a member of the Concrete Institute, a bellow of the Public Accountants’ Institute of New Zealand, and a. member of the New Zealand Societv of Civil Engineers. Mr Fitz Gerald visited Palmerston North on several occasions as a. member of Government Commissions inquiring into river protection works m the citv and district. He was regarded as an authority on river protection and at all times gave valuable advice. Mr Fitz Gerald was .a man of many interests. He was twice married. H.s first wife was Miss K. J. Budge, upon whose death lie married Mrs M. E. Pharazvu. Of his family of one son and three daughters, two daughters are still living, both in England. Rev. Otbo Fitz Gerald is a brother. Mr pitzGerald leaves four grandchildren .and one great-grandchild. Tie celebrated his 80th birthday only last Saturday.