MR. G. H. LOONEY

Taranaki Daily News, 26 September 1940, Page 2

MR. G. H. LOONEY

COSTAL SETTLER DEAD The late Mr. G. H. Looney, whose death oceurred at the New Plymouth hospital on Tuesday, at the age of 78 years, was a well known settler of North Taranaki, and particularly of the coastal district between New Plymouth and Opunake, with the development of which he had been actively identified. He was a member of a family that has been associated with Taranaki since it was first settled, his parents, the late Mr, and Mrs. J. J. Looney, having arrived by the Timandra, one of the first four ships. He was born at New Plymouth but spent the greater part of his life farming on the coast, first in the Oakura district, and later in the Opunake district, being for some years a director, and for part of that time chairman, of the Pihama Co-op. Dairy Company. He was also a member of the Opunake Harbour Board and of the Opunake school committee. About 20 years ago he retired to New Plymouth, but still took. an active interest in coastal affairs. While at New Plymouth he was a member of the Paritutu Bowling Club. He is survived by . his widow (nee Miss Sampson), two sons, Messrs. H. and K. Looney ( Opunake) and 'one' daug"Hfer," Mrs.' "Car'stens (Auckland). One son was killed in the last war, and one daughter predeceased. him. The funeral at Te Henui cemetery yesterday was largely attended. The services at the St. Aubyn Methodist Church and at the graveside were taken by the Revs. H. Ashton, E. D. Patchett and T. W. Featherston. The . bearers were Messrs. H. Looney, K. Looney (sons), E. Looney (nephew), T. Hayward, J. Phillips and Wellington. Among the wreaths were tributes from the chairman, directors and shareholders of the Pihama Coop Dairy Company, the Opunake Farmers' Union and W.D.F.U., and the Paritutu Bowling Club.