OBITUARY.

Shannon News, 26 August 1927, Page 3

OBITUARY.

HON. B. F. BOLLARD. The sad and unforeseen news of the death of the Hon. R: F. Bollard, Minister of Internal Affairs, was received in a Press telegram yesterday. The late Mr Bollard was carrying out his official duties until Friday last, when he was taken ill suddenly, and had to retiore to his residence in Wellington. Richard Francis Bollard was born at Avondalc, Auckland, in 1863, being {lie son of the late Mr John Bollard (M.P. for Eden). After being educated at public schools and privately, he was clerk to the Avondab Read Board for seven years, resigning to take up his reside t.'.ce in the Waikato district, wlie.ro he lived for the past 23 years, his home being at ramahu-e. He'owned for 10 years, at Taupiri, one of the largest and most up-to-date sawmills in the Waikato, with CO employee; and an output of 40,000 ft per day. For many years he was a member of the Kirikiriroa Road Board and the Waikato County Council, and was alyo on the Waikato Hospital Board. The late Mr Bollard was elected M.P. for Raglan in 1911, and returned at r.uhsequent elections. In 1918 he was appointed junior Government Whip, and in the following year senior whip. He was" chairman of the Railways Committee of the House, and on June 27, 1923, became Minister of Internal Affairs. In his Ministerial capacity he was more noted for his industry and shrewd commonsense than for any particular ability at speech making, and seldom spoke in the Hose except when called upon to explain or elaborate some point relating to his Department. He was one who would always listen patiently to any case put before him and go "to great trouble to find a solution of difficulties. In him the small racing clubs of the Dominion lose a good friend who stood for justice to them as against the ever-encroaching interests of the metropolitan clubs, and there were many who admired the strong attitude he took up in regard to the claims of the Racing Conference. Of simple tastes and esteeming the friendship of men of similar disposition, nothing pleased the late Minister better than to get away from die trammels of office and spent a quiet day amongst his friends at country show or race meeting, the practical affairs of which he would discuss with the knowledge of an expert.. The deceased Minister was highly respected in this district, where for a number of years it had been his custom to attend the annual races in Levin, ami, several occasions, he presented the Cup to the winning owner. As head of the Internal Affairs Department he was often brought in contact with the representatives of local bodies, who at all times found him courteous and tact ful. Keen regret will be felt locally at his passing, especially on account 'if the unexpected suddenness of his end.

SUCCUMBED TO PNEUMONIC INFLUENZA. WELLINGTON, August' 25. Mr Bollard died at his residence at 8.52 a.m. from pneumonic influenza. .