OBITUARY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 259, 30 September 1940, Page 8

OBITUARY

MR G. H. HOLBROOK

The death occurred on September 24 of Mr George Henry . Holbrook, aged 64, of Palmerston North, who had a wide circle of friends in tlm city. Mr Holbrook was born in Nelson and came hero from that city about 20 years ago. He was in business' as-'a grocer in Palmerston North. Both here and in Nelson bo was keenly interested in the game of bowls, and was a member of the Palmerston North Bowling Club. He was also an enthusiastic poultryman, and was interested in organisations connected with poultry-raising ■here. He was a member of the Rechabite Lodge, which he joined when nine years old. Mr Holbrook’s wife died four years ago, and he is survived by two daughters, Mesdames E. C. Jensen a.nd It. Mclntyre, both of Palmerston North. He is also survived by two brothers, Messrs E. W. Holbrook, of Palmerston North, and B. Holbrook, of Nelson, and a sister, Mrs G. Miller, of Nelson. The funeral took place at the Kelvin Grove cemetery, the service being conducted by Rev. J. C. Macky. The pallbearers from the house were Messrs S. E. Jensen. R. Mclntyre, E. AV. Holbrook. E. Gibbs, J. Emmett and G. Thompson, and members of tlie Rechabito Lodge acted as bearers at the graveside.

MR W. IT. GUNNING

(From Our Own Correspondent.) * SHANNON. Sept. 27.

The death of Mr William Henry Gunning, J.P., which occurred at a private hospital in Palmerston North, on Thursday, removes from this district a wellknown and highly respected businessman. Mr Gunning, who was 84 years of ago, was born at Corslcy, Somersetshire, England. After leaving school he was apprenticed to a large retail grocefy firm in Cardiff, Wales, and came to New Zealand 54 years ago; for 16 years he wap manager for a firm ot merchants in AVcllington, coming in contact with residents as far north as Pahautanui. In 1890 he married Miss Clara Bertha Boys, a daughter of Mr James Boys. surveyor and civil engineer, of Timaru. In 1898, Mr Gunning, with his wife and three children, went to Vancouver,\ Canada, where Mrs Gunning and the children staved, while Mr Gunning went to Alaska during the Klondyke gold rush: Dragging all his merchandise overland by sledge and dog teams, he set uptbusiness in Atlin City, Mr Gunning’s health broke down, -however, and lie and the family returned to Now Zealand in 1900. He commenced business in Shannon in 1901. Mr Gunning besides being an excellent business man, took an active part in all activities for the welfare of the district. He was one of the main movers in placing the Mangahao hydro-elecfcrio scheme before the Government, and his election as the borough's first representative on the Ilorowhenua Electric Power Board was a fitting tribute to liis good work. Ho was a member of the first Borough Council in Shannon and a foundation member of the Shannon Bowling Club (being one of the leading men in the Bowling Company, which was responsible for the formation of the club). For health reasons Mr Gunning resigned from local body work in 1929 and the Borough Council then expressed gratitude and appreciation ot his _ long service to the town and district. Besides a wife, he leaves a family of four sons and three daughters—Eric J. Gunning (Shannon), William A. Gunning (Nelson), Noel A. Gunning (Nelson), Sydney 11. Gunning (Oroua Downs) and Mrs N. Oldorshnvv (Lower Ilntt), Mrs J. Currie (Thames), and Mrs K. S. Henry (Kelburn. Wellington). There arc 27 grandchildren.