DEATH OF MR G. D. SMITH.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 159, 28 March 1916, Page 2

DEATH OF MR G. D. SMITH.

At the age of 01 years Mr (Joiwyu Dalrymple Smith has passed away to his long rest and iu his death all those who had the privilege of his acquaintance lose a staunch and true friend. There were few better known figures in local agricultural circles than the deceased since for very many years he acted as representative in the Manurewa and Papakura districts for the Now Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company and enjoyed the respect and osteom of all with whom ho came in contact. At lirst making Manurewa his head<|iiartors he took up his residence in Papakura about five years since.

Loyal to duty his activity aud almost excessive labours brought about a breakdown iu his health some twelvo months ago and although towards the end of last year a temporary improvement took place Mr Uodwyn Smith realised that his strength was gradually failing him. Ho thereupon decided to as far as possible dispose of his properties iu tho Papakura district in order to livo a retirod life in tho neighbourhood of Auckland and only a few weeks ago he removed to Remuera in tho hone that a chango of surroundings aud air wou'd assist in his recovery. Such, however, was not fated to bo aud becoming weaker and weaker death ensued, as already stated, ou Sunday last at his new homo iu Mountain lload, liemuera.

Upright iu character, honest aud true in purpose, Mr Godwyu Smith led a truly Christian life. A btaunch member of the Methodist Church, the cause of his absence from the foundation-stone layiug ceremony at Papakura last Tuesday was much regretted aud feeling tribute was paid by various speakers, as reported in our issue of Friday last, to his self-denying work on behalf of the Merthodist cause, whilst the Priuie Minister (the Rt. Hou. W. F. Massey M.P. ), who officiated at the ceromony, also endorsed the other speakers' remarks and referred to the fact that his frieijdship with Mr Godwyn Smith was of long standing. The deceased gentleman took very great interest in local affairs aud served for one term as a member of the Papakura Town Board. At the time of his death he was Chairman of Directors of the Franklin Printing and Publishing Company, Ltd., the proprietor of this paper. To Mrs Godwyn Smith whole-hearted sympathy is tendered in her irreparable loss.

The funeral took place this afternoon at the Papakura Cemetery.