THE LATE MR. STOCKER.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 January 1917, Page 4

THE LATE MR. STOCKER.

WIDE-SPREAD SYMPATHY. The funeral of the late Mr. Harry Stocker took place on Saturday afternoon, and the large and influential attendance of business men testified to the high esteem in which the deceased gent tlemnn was neld by his fellow townsmen. The casket was conveyed to St. Mary's Church, where a brief and impressive service was held. Among those present were members of the Neamotlt Masonic Lodge and the Lodge, representatives of the clergy, ■business institutions, rifle, sports and athletic clubs. The pnll-bearevß were Messrs. Newton King, W. C. Webster E. K. Morrison, J. Clarke, A. C. H. Collins, and (i. M. Kebbell Many beautiful floral tributes covered the casket and hoarse. The cortege was an exceptionally long one, and as it passed through the town, many evidences of the deep sympathy of the residents wtre witnessed. The interment took place at. the Te Henui Cemetery, the burial service being impressively recited by St Mary's Vicar. Educated in Southland. Mr. Stooker was for a while a cadet on a sheep jiun, later joining the Bank of Australasia. Ho was transferred to New Plymouth and was on the local staff of tho bank for many years. Subsequently he joined the firm of Messrs. Webster and M'Kellor, and on the death of the former entered into partnership-with Mr. M'Kellai, the business being carried on until recently under the old name. On, Mr. M'Kellar's retirement owing to illhealth Mr. A. L. Humphries joined Mr. Stocker and the business has Bince been carried on under the style of Stocker and ; Humphries. For some years he occupied ,a seat on the Borough Council, where ho did splendid service, particularl} as chairman of the Baths Committee. Ha was secretary of the New Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, the Egmont Na-t-onal Park Board, Taranaki Club, Producers' Freezing Works, New Plymouth Tennis Club, district agent of the ?7ew Zealand Shipping Company and of the Commercial Assurance Company. He had also been closely identified with other local institutions and was a prociinent figure in athletic circles, more especially golf, football, cricket, tennis and swimming. He also interested himself in church work, and was for some time secretary to St. Mary'. Vestry, Mr. Stocker was an important member of the Ngamotu Seaside Committee, and cue of those instrumental in the buccess of the New Year's Day picnic. Ha also acted as secretary to the Group rifle shooting meeting at Rewai Rewa on January 2. The late Mr. Stocked married the daughter of the lato Mr. E, L. Webster. Mrs Stocker was absent in Hastings during her husband's SU« ness.

Mr. Stocker had a ther killed at the front, ont brother; is In hospital in England wounded, another brother is still in the trenches and has just been awarded the Military Cross, whilst a fourth returned to Now Zealand some months ago, having been selected for a commission. The heartfelt sympathy of the community is ex'tended to the relatives of Mr. Stocker in their sad bereavement. The lawns of the New Plymouth Tennis and Croouet Club were closed on Saturday out of respect to the memory of their latj member. ■*