MR. GEORGE FREDERICK ILES.

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 497, 3 April 1933, Page 6

MR. GEORGE FREDERICK ILES.

A notable athlete, a fine sportsman and a highly respectable citizen in the person of Mr. George Frederick Iles passed away at hiis, residence, Tauranga, recently, following a serious lliness of three months. The late Mr. Iles, who was the third son of Mrs. H. Iles, of Tauranga, and the late Mr. Albert Iles, was born in Christchurch thirty-nine years ago. He1 was educated at the Fendalton School iand the West Christchurch High School, and when eighteen years of age moved with' his parents to Auckland, where he quickly made his name qis a brilliant football back — first in Rugby and afterwards in League. He represented Auckland as a League player for two years and ' under the same code represented New Zealand and was a member of the teams which played against the Australians' in 1919 at Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, the Christchurch mateh being the only occasion on which a New Zealand League team ha& defeated Australia in a test game. • Thirteen. years ago Mr. Iles came to Tauranga and with his brother, Mr. Arthur Iles, established a hidjps and wool exporting business whhh. under their iable management develqjied into a sound concern. Mr. George iles oontinued his association .with football and played for Tauranga for eleven years. On many occasions he was captain of - the Tauranga Rugby Union's representative and also .of the Bay of Plenty team. He played for the Bay of Plenty against the Spfing-

boks at Rotorua. He was one of,the fastest backs ever seen in these p,axts, and the Tauranga representative fifteen when he played in the back divi'sion with his brother Arthur and Dave Borell wais an exceptionally strong combination and for quite a time it was well nigh invincible. Followers of the garne will remember how "Arthur Iles made superlative openings and sent the ball, as opportunity arose to either George Iles or Diave Borell and one or other, or both', were certain to score two or three times in a match. The deceased, in order to. stimulate friendly rivalry in local football, took an active part in establishing the Athletics Club iand ever since had been prominently identified with it 'as player, captain, selector or executive officer. Mr. Iles was well known throughout New Zealand as a isprint runner, and had the di&tinetion of winning many important races in both the North and SoUth Islands. He "played the game" both on and off the sporting field and although he had his own opinions he was always broadminded iand respected the opinions of thoee who differed from him. Tauranga is all the poorer by his passing. Six years ago h'e marraed Miss Earl (daughter of Mr. iand Mrs. George Earl) and the greatest sympathy from all isections of the community will be extended to- Mr®. Iles and two- little sons and other relatives i in their great bereavement. — (Tiines.) '