POPULAR AIRMAN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 260, 1 October 1940, Page 6

POPULAR AIRMAN.

LATE PILOT- OFFICER ORGIAS,

Pilot-Officer Eric Orgias, the youngest son of Mr and Mrs A. E. Orgias, of Pohangina, whose death in air operations was reported yesterday, was one of the most popular young men in the Pohangina Valley, and much sympathy, has been extended to his parents and three brothers in their bereavement.

Pilot-Officer Orgias, who was 25 years old, was educated at the Ashhurst School, ■ the Palmerston North Boys’ High School, and Massey Agricultural College, subsequently being engaged in farming in the Rangitikei district before taking up flying. At school he was prominent in athletics and held numerous trophies. He played for the first Rugby fifteen at Massey College, was equal first in the senior athletic championship, and held the senior lawn tennis championship. He later played in the senior fifteen of the Palmerston North Old Boys’ Club. He made many friends and this was manifest in the farewell accorded him when he left Pohangina to proceed on active service. When he took up flying Pilot-Officer Orgias received instruction at Milson as a member of the Civil Reserve of Pilots, and Rongotai, where he c'.id exceptionally well. He subsequently gained his wings at Wigram on ]oining the Royal Air Force, and he was confirmed in the rank of pilot-officer when lie proceeded to England early this year.