OBITUARY.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 November 1922, Page 4

OBITUARY.

MR. F. P. CORKILL. The death of Mr. Francis Peacock Corkill occurred at New Plymouth early yesterday morning, following a seizure he had while in town on Tuesday. During the evening he relapsed into unconsciousness, passing away about 2.30 a.m. yesterday. About a year ago, Mr. Corkill had a stroke, which confined him to his bed for several months, but recently he recovered sufficiently to get about town again and attend to his business, though he was no longer able to carry on with his one-time vigor. Mr. Corkill was 66 years bf age, being born at Ramsey, Isle of Man, in 1856, his father, Mr. Thomas Corkill, being a banker there. He was educated at the Ramsey Grammar School and the Peel Mathematical School. On leaving school he entered the office of a firm of Peruvian merchants in Liverpool, with whom he remained about ten years. In 1880 he came out to New Zealand and settled in New Plymouth, where he established himself in business as a land and commission agent. It was not long before he entered public life, and at various times he has been a- member of the Recreation Grounds Board, the Borough Council, the Harbor Board, and the Hospital Board, of which he was for some time chairman, and on all of these bodies he rendered conspicuous service, especially by his fearless criticism concerning any matters which'seemed to required ventilating. He has held very prominent positions in Freemasonry, having been W.M. of the Mount Egmont Lodge, No. 670, E.C., and the Ngamotu Lodge, E.C. He took an active interest in the New Zealand Grand Loijge movement, and held office on several occasions under that constitution, besides being a Past Grand Chancellor of the Supreme Royal Arch Chapter of New Zealand. He was also a Rechabite and an Oddfellow. At the time of the Parihaka disturbances, in 1881, he became a lieutenant in the. New Plymouth Guards Rifle Volunteers.

Mr. Corkill was twice married. By his first wife he leaves a married daughter, now reisdent in England, while his second wife and family of three daughters and two sons, all of whom live in New Plymouth, survive him. To them will be extended the sympathy of a wide circle of friends in their bereavement.