A TRAGEDY RECALLED.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 September 1920, Page 4

A TRAGEDY RECALLED.

JOURNEY TO SEE BROTHER'S GRAVE. > The Norraanby correspondent of the Hawera Star writes: — Some years ago, when -the Commercial Hotel, Normanby, was destroyed by fire, it will be remembered that a young man, Thomas Gridley, lost his life. : Tfce young fellow had resided in this district for some years, and-will be renumbered as an enthusiastic cricketer, only arriving at Xormanby the evening before the fatal Are. Although it was Known that the deceased was well comieated and had relatives in the Old Country, no trace of them could be found, as all his property had been destroyed. However, old friends of Tom Gridley mado .arrange' ments for the funeral, and also areetsd; a small headstone over the grave lit th» Waihi Cemetery, where his remains H» alongside the old heroes of the Maori war. uii Saturday last your correspondent received a visit from a distinguished visitor from the Old Country, one of the forp)!ioi>t electrical engineers of tksf day, Sir Arnold Gridley, who it a brother of poor Torn, and who Is visiting *■• llominion nnd wished to me«t any wko know iiu brother. Sir Arnold was iaktft out to the cemetery and shown the last resting-place of his toother, and also Interviewed several local residents Vb9 were associated with him. He alio, took several views of the grave and •UrtOWiaV ings to take home to his aged fatJuß. Sir Arnold Oridley expressed greaf pleasure and gratitude at what bad been done for poor Tom, and desires jM* -U> publicly express the heartfelt approbation of the family to all those Who >o kindly assisted at the funeral and "Wno contributed towards the erection of the -tone that marks the last raatingjdaM of his brother, Thomas Gridley, at Waal Cemetery, Normanby.