PIONEER’S DEATH

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 473, 1 October 1928, Page 1

PIONEER’S DEATH

MR. HUGO FRIEDLANDER RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE For 50 years a man prominent in local body administration and business in Soufh Canterbury, Mr. Hugo Friedlander, who retired to Auckland nine years ago, died at his home, Seaview Road, Remuera, to-day, aged 78. Mr. Friedlander came to New Zealand from Australia in 1869. He settled in Ashburton, and after serving a short commercial apprenticeship, established the business of Fried-

lander Bros, in 1872. He was one of South Canterbury’s commercial pioneers, but he did not devote all his time to his own business affairs. He became associated first with local body work through road boards and school committees, but gradually, his interests extended. He was Mayor of Ashburton for four or five terms, and was also a member and chairman of the Ashburton County Council. From 1905 until 1916 he was a member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, and during his four years of chairmanship he was an active opponent of the scheme to build a canal in Christchurch. Mr. Friedlander was a keen sportsman, and leader of the agitation to have country racing clubs linked with the New Zealand Racing Conference. When this was finally accomplished, he became South Canterbury’s representative on the conference. Mr. Friedlander had many successes from his stables, winning the New Zealand Cup, every country cup in the Dominion, as well as several classic races. In 1919, the Ashburton business went into voluntary liquidation, but before Mr. Friedlander retired to Auckland, he gave the nucleus of the sum necessary for a new public school, and also presented a new wing to the District High School. He gave liberal assistance to many charities. His widow survives him, and he leaves the following family: Dr. A. J. Friedlander, of Parnell; Mr. Eric W. Friedlander, of Remuera, and Mrs. H. A. Reeves, of Sydney.