MR. THORNTON WALKER

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 367, 31 October 1932, Page 5

MR. THORNTON WALKER

The death occurred at Kihikihi on Saturday of Mr. Thornton Walker, a gentleman at one time resident in Rotorua and particularly well-known to a wide circle of friends in this district. The late Mr. Walker was born and educated in Melbourne and came to New Zealand as a youth, settling in the Waikato, where he farmed for many years. Arriving in Rotorua about 1900, Mr-. Walker took over the position of managing direetor of the R.M. Transport Goy. at a time when coaches were still being employed on the company's services, He remained, however, to see the horse replaced hy the serviee car and guided the eompany throngh what was undoubtedly the greatest transformation in its history. During his residence in Rotorua, Mr. Walker took a close interest in all community and sports activities and was a particularly enthusiastic member of th'e old Rotorua Joekey Glub. After leaving the serviee of the eompany, Mr. Walker took over a farming property on the Rangitaiki Swamp where he remainefi until his retirement, when he resided with his son on a farm at Kihikihi. The deceased was well-known throughout the North' Island and held the esteem of a large circle of friends. His knowledge of farm and stock matters made his advice much sought after and he proved a very valuafile advisor during the sitting of the Native Lands Commission many ye'ars' ago. He was also a member of the Rotorua Town Board prior to the vesting of control in the Government. The deceased, who married Miss Hester Newmarch, sister of Mr. F. Newmarch of Rotorua, leaves his widow, three sons, a daughter and two sisters, Mrs. W. T. Carr and Mrs. , S. MacDougall of Ohinepanea, to mourn their loss. • The funeral will take place at Kihikihi to-day at 2 p.m.