OTAHUHU.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 407, 6 September 1918, Page 3

OTAHUHU.

DEATH OF MB A STURGES Otahuhu has lost - one of its best public spirited men in the person of Mr Alfred Sturges, who passed away early on Tuesday morning last at the advanced age of 72 years. The deceased, who was one of the earliest and most prominent settlers in the district, was born at Bedford, England. He arrived in New Zealand in 1870.. Soon after his advent to the Dominion he joined his brother-in-law in business as a draper at Otahuhu where he has since lived. Always possessing a love for horticulture and orchard work he ultimately retired from business and devoted his energies to the development of fruit growing with marked success. Essentially a public man he gave much time to civic matters and for many years he was a leading member and chairman of the Otahuhu Road Board until the Borough was formed in 1912. He became the first Mayor and he discharged his duties with such distii ction and universal satisfaction that he was reelected and held office until he retired in 191- r >. He also served on the Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. On relinquishing active public work Mr Sturges donated to the people of Otahuhu the property known as Otahuhu Park, consisting of about twelve acres for a public reserve. As a Freemason he was a prominent and active member of the " Lodge of Harmony." He was also a past district senior grand warden of the English Constitution. Deceased leaves a widow, four daugh ters and one son, another son having been killed in action last year. The daughters who survive him are Mrs C Hemus, Mrs Chapman, Sister Sturges now serving with the Forces at the Front, and Mis* Sturges. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon at the Otahuhu Cemetery, subsequent to a Masonic service being conducted at the deceased's late residence, the same being attended by W. M. Br<>. W. B Bullen and other officers and members of the " Lodge Harmony " and by Bro. W. B. Furby D.D.G M. On the conclusion of this service the coffin, which was of a purple and white colour with silver fittings and was covered with wreaths and flowers, was carried to the hearse, which was followed by the Masons in full regalia. Then came the chief mourners, viz., Messrs C Sturges (son), C. Hemus (brother-in-law), and E. Sturges (brother). Among others who followed were Sir Frederick Lang M.P., Mr A. McDonald (Mayor of Otahuhu) and Crs H J. Hall, H. J Moffitt, R. Todd, A. J. Wildman, H. V Stringer and the Town Clerk (Mr W. J. Dinnison) (representing the Otahuhu Borough Council); Mr J. Atkinson (exMayor) ; Messrs J. Hunter and G. Kemplay (Otahuhu School Committee) ; Captain J. Wilson (Ota huhu Fire Brigade); Mr H. L. Sly field (Postmaster); members of the Otahuhu Bowling Club; Sergeant Harvey and Constable Moss (representing the Otahuhu Police) ; Messrs John Todd J.P, E. West, J. W. Andrew (Eden Terrace), B. H. Andrew (Auckland), John Watson, S. Doherty, Isaac Gray (Papatoetoe), R. Graham, E. West, R. L. Absolom, W. B. Lloyd, W. Parkins and many others, all sections of the local community being represented. Shops and offices were closed and the flag at the fire-bell station on the Great South Road flew at half mast.

On arrival at the cemetery the burial service was conducted by the Rev. H. Mason (Vicar of Otahuhu), who also delivered a short address, pointing out that the late Mr Sturges had always been ready to assist others. They all knew he had held the widest toleration with all branches of religious and political thought. He had discharged bis civic duties most consistently and was ever anxious to do all he could for the district he loved so much. Every resident well knew of his generosity by the beautiful park which he presented to the people of Otahuhu. They knew him as a man of the highest personal qualities and those members of " Lodge Harmony," who were more intimately acquainted with him, would ever cherish the highest thoughts of him.

At the close of the address the members of the Masonic Craft reverentially dropped a sprig of acacia on the coffin.

The Otahnhu Borough Council is to hold its usual fortnightly meeting next Thursday evening.