OLD AUCKLANDER

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 513, 16 November 1928, Page 16

OLD AUCKLANDER

MR. JOHN BEALE CELEBRATES 80TH BIRTHDAY Having known Auckland from its infancy, Mr. John A. Beale, of Remuera, has now been associated with the city for 70 years. On Wednesday he celebrated his eightieth birthday, and among those who congratulated him were Sir James Coates, Messrs. G. and C. Beale, D. Hay, R. McVeagh, W. J. W. Philson, E. V. Miller, J. L. Woodhouse, J. E. D. Spicer, J. Kenderdine, and G. A. Martin. Mr. Beale’s father was one of Auckland’s first music teachers, and his son was well known in this sphere, and has acted as organist at three of the principal Anglican churches. Professionally. Mr. Beale was a barrister and solicitor, and he created history in his profession when, in the early ’7o’s, he went to England, where he failed to obtain recognition of his status as a lawyer, his .ase creating an interest which resulted in legislation in the British Parliament. For many years Mr. Beale acted as principal returning officer in Auckland, his early recollections being of the nomination of candidates on the open hustings. In other spheres he was a Parnell councillor, and a member of the Rutland and Parnell Rifles.