TUAKAU.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 426, 15 November 1918, Page 3

TUAKAU.

DEATH OF ME J. H. CRAIG One of Tuakau'a best known residents in the person of Mr James Henry Craig snccumbed on Wednesday to an attack of pneumonia following on influenza. His condition last week was such as to cause grave anxiety and he gradually sank and passed away. He was 41 years ot age and was the fourth son of the late Mr John Craig, one of Waiuku's earliest settlers. Born , and educated at Waiuku, the late' Mr J. H. Craig came to Tuakau some 20 years ago and entered into a partnership with his brother-in-law Mr D. H. Madill in the ownership of a threshing machine. The deceased next engaged in the flax- ' milling industry and later went in for farming He purchased a farm in Dominion Road, Tuakau, and by continued effort? gradually moulded the land into an ideal farm, which to-day is one of the best sections in the district. He also was an enthusiastic dairy farmer and milked a large herd of cows. The late Mr Craig was married to Miss C. Hosking, daughter of Mr C. Hosking, of Waiuku. He leaves a widow and five children whose ages range from 12 years to 12 months to mourn their sad loss. Deceased had been a member of the Tuakau Town Board since its inception and was also chairman of the Harrisville School Committee. The sympathy of a wide circle of friends is extended to the bereaved widow and young family. AN APPRECIATION. " Harry" Craig, to give him the name by which he was popularly called, is unfortunately no more, and Tuakau is essentially a loser by the fact that he has *' crossed the bar.'' Those who were privileged wirh his acquaintance must assuredly recognise that his death not only robs them of a true friend but of a man whose sincerity in everything he essayed was unquestionable. A trifle hasty or impulsive, perhaps, he always acted as it seemed to him for the best. The discharge of his duties as a member of the Tuakau Town Board did not always meet with popular favour, but who is it that is engaged in public affairs that is able to please 'everyone ? Mr Craig, however, never departed from the path of principle as it seemed to him, and even his opponents respected that trait in his character Of striking personality and handsome stature, his manly virtue? and genial ways endeared him to all. In his household he was a beloved husband and revered father, and to his widow and orphans the sympathy of all goes out As a sportsman he was an up- . holder of the best traditions of th« • turf, and his recent acquisition of a horse identified with the trotting track promised him winning honours as an owner. Although comparatively a young man, " Harry," thanks to his abilities and perseverance, had reached a stage that afforded him some freedom from active toil, and only a few months back he purchased a motor-car in order to afford pleasure for his wi f e and children, and delectation for his many friends not so fortunately placed. Of strong physique, it was not expected that the call would be so suddenly coming to him. But the unexpected happens, and our old comrade has passed away, mourned by all. P.A.L. Tuakau is recovering from the anxiety caused by the influenza infliction and hopes are entertained that the epidemic will now diminish The death roll so far has been five in number. The Tuakau Methodist Church is being used as a hospital for the eerious cases whilst the other churches are simularly under offer and will be utilised if occasion necessitates. Arrested on Saturday at Tuakau for being drunk a Maori "First Offender " later on bailed himself out for 1 Os. When his name was called at the Pukekohe Court yesterday he did not respond and the Bench thought that justice would be met by the amount of the bail being estreated. " A. cowardly assault made upon a policeman who at the time was almost incapacitated from duty as the result of a recent accident " was the description given at the Pukekohe Police Court yesterday by Sergeant Cowan of an occurrence at Tuakau last Saturday evening, whereby a Pukekawa farm labourer, named William John Thomas, was charged with being diuuk in charge of a horse and also with assaulting Constable Taylor whilst in the execution of his duty. The Sergeant explained that the defendant, who was drunk, was riding along the footpath in George Street and on being called upon by Constable Taylor to dismount he kicked him on the face and over the heart. The accused stated that he had no recollection of what he had done. He was fined £1 on the first charge and £2 10s for the assault, being also ordered to pay costs including a medical fee of £2 2s.