“A GREAT MAN”

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1053, 18 August 1930, Page 10

“A GREAT MAN”

TRIBUTES TO MR. SPRAGG “GENEROUS-HEARTED” “The City of Auckland—indeed, the whole Dominion —is poorer for his passing, though the richer for his life and work. Mr. Spragg was a. true Rotarian and one of the foundation members of the Auckland Club. He was held in great esteem and was loved by all who were privileged to know him.” This tribute from Mr. C. J. Tanks, president of the ’ Auckland Rotary Club, was one of many paid to the late Mr. Wesley Spragg when his funeral took place at Waikumete Cemetery on Saturday afternoon. The Rev. George Jackson, minister of the Green Lane Congregational Church, conducted the service. Mr. Spragg’s favourite liyml<f. “God of the Living,” was sung. Several speakers referred to his life and “1 was closely associated in business with Mr. Spragg. Jle was one of Nature’s great, good men,” said Mr. H. E. Paccy, a former managing director (•f the New Zealand Dairy Association, Ltd., and Mr. Spragg's immediate sue-, cessor. "He gave many valuable gifts to the city. The best of all these was an honourable life and a service such as fell to the lot of few men to give.” FINE TRIBUTE One of the finest tributes came from Sir George Fowlds, who had been a life-long friend of Mr. Spragg:—“He was the most generous-hearted man I ever knew. To know him was to love him. Although he has finished his course lie has left behind an enduring memory. His life was full of accomplishment and inspiration. He was truly a great man and a good husband, father and citizen. His services to the dairying industry and the prohibition cause are incalculable.” Mr. W. It. Tuck, who was associated with Mr. Spragg during the last 15 years, also referred to his work in the cause of temperance. The funeral was attended by the deputy-Mayor, Mr. A. .J. Entrican, the* Town Clerk, Mr. J. S. Brigham, and Mr. J. B. Paterson and Mr. F. Bartrum, ,of the City Council. The Rev. W. J. Comrie. president, represented the New Zealand Alliance. The following Rotarians were present: Messrs. R. A-* Laidlaw, C. J. Tunks, C. H. Furness, H. Dearsley. F. N. Ambler. A. Eady, John Ewen, V. Dearsly, C. Rhodes and W. B. Leylancl.