Played As All Black In 1896

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 779, 27 September 1929, Page 11

Played As All Black In 1896

MR. N. McROBIE DEAD SPORTSMAN-PRINTER T\ T ITH the death of Mr. Nfpbet Me- *' Robie at his residence, 30 King George Avenue, Epsom, this morning, the printing and newspaper world has lost a prominent figure, and the New Zealand sporting world has lost an old All Black. As mafiager of the Business Printing Works, Ltd., Albert Street, Mr. Mcßobie was well known to a large circle of Aucklanders, both as an excellent business man and an all-round

.rt. For the past IS months he has

been ailing and has been away from business for about a year. Born in Invercargill in 1873 lie was 55 years of age. He received his education at the South School and- was apprenticed to the printing trade as a boy, serving his apprenticeship under Mr. William Smith, Esk Street, Invercargill. He left there to take up a position on the Christchurch “Press,” going from there to the “Timaru Post.” His next position was with the “New Zealand Times,” Wellington, where he acted as factory manag* in 1904.

Promotion quickly came his way, and he took over the managership of the “Pahiatua Herald,” later returning to Wellington as general manager of the “New Zealand Times.” CONTROLLED “WAIHI TIMES” In 1909 he bought the “Waihi Daily Times,” which he controlled for some years before coming to Auckland as secretary and manager of the Business Printing Works in 1915.

Always a keen and active worker in the Reform interests, Mr. Mcßobie contested the Ohinemuri seat as a Reform candidate in 1911, but was unsuccessful in gaining the seat. In the sporting life of New Zealand he took an active and prominent part. He represented Southland in Rugby football for nine years from 18SS to 1896, and was chosen for the All Black team that toured New Zealand in 1596. He was also a keen bowler in later years, and was a past president of the Remuera Bowling Club. He accompanied the team on many tours of the North Island. He was also an ardent golfer, and was captain of the Matmgakiekie Golf Club during the 1927-28 seasons. Between golf and bowls, he spent most of his spare time. In his own profession he was highly esteemed. He was president of the New Zealand Master Printers’ Federation from 1922 to 1924, and president of the Auckland Master Printers’ Association from 1916 to 1924. He was keenly interested in furthering the interests of those engaged in the printing profession. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and took a deep interest in the musical side, being at one time chairman of the Royal Auckland Choir. As a member of the Pacific Club for many years, he was a respected citizen. In 1887 he married Miss Mary Dunlop, daughter of the late Mr. Andrew Dunlop, M.R.C.V.S., and is survived by his widow, a daughter, Miss Mary McRobie (Auckland), and two sons, Stuart (Auckland) and Douglas (Wellington). Mr. Mcßobie was also a prominent member of the Oddfellows’ Lodge in Invercargill.