OBITUARY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 October 1939, Page 8

OBITUARY

MR D. A. PICKERING. The death occurred today of Mr David Alexander Pickering, at the age of 69 years, after an illness extending over the past seven weeks. The late Mr Pickering had resided in Masterton practically all his life and was well known and highly respected by all sections of the community. Mr Pickering, who was born in Hornsey, England, in 1870, came to New Zealand with his parents in 1874, arriving here in the ship Soukar. The family settled in Masterton, where his father, Mr David Pickering, established himself in business as a plumber. Mr D. A. Pickering, the eldest son of the family, started in business in Pahiatua in 1891 and while 'there formed a fire brigade, of which he became captain. He returned to Masterton in 1897 and took over his father’s business in 1912, which he had conducted ever since.

Always taking a keen interest in sport of any kind, Mr Pickering closely identified himself with many sports bodies, in which he held such important offices as president, vice-president and committeeman. At the time of his death he was president of the Wairarapa sub-Centre and other sports bodies which benefited from his active support and keen enthusiasm were the Masterton Amateur Athletic Club, and the Wairarapa Hockey Association besides football and cricket clubs. Mr Pickering was also Chief of the Masterton Savage Club, a life member and past president of the Wairarapa Caledonian Society, a member of the general committee of the Masterton A. and P. Association, a vice-president of the Masterton Orchestral Society and a member of the Masterton Racing Club. He was a member of long standing and a past district president of the Druids' Lodge and was also a member of the Masterton Masonic Lodge No. 19. Mr Pickering always took a keen interest in educational matters and for a period of 19 years was chairman of the Lansdowne School Committee, of which he was a member for 22 years. He saw many years’ service as a member of the former Technical School Board of Governors. The volunteer fire brigade movement also claimed his close attention and he was elected a life member of the Masterton Volunteer Brigade in recognition of his services. In his younger days he was a keen rifle shot and was a member of the Opaki Rifle Club. Mr Pickering's death will be deeply regretted by all who knew him. He underwent an operation in 'Lewisham Hospital, Wellington, some weeks ago and appeared to be making good progress but about a week ago he contracted pneumonia and entered Masterton Hospital last Monday. His wife predeceased him 13 years ago and he is survived by a family of six sons,' Messrs Clarence. Frank, Percy. Harold, Jack and Cliff Pickering, all of Masterton, and three daughters, Mesdames M. Dreyer (Hamilton). K. Ingley and E. H. DoKcrty (Masterton), besides a sister. Mrs A. Morrah (Otaki) and a brother, Mr A. H. Pickering (Cambridge). The funeral will take place on Monday. leaving the residence, Oxford Street, at 2.30 p.m. for the Masterton Cemetery. The brethren of Masterton Lodge No. 19 are requested to assemble at the late residence of the late Bro D. A. Pickering at 2.30 p.m. on Monday for the purpose of attending his funeral.

REV JOHN TAKLE. WELLINGTON. This Day. The death is announced of the Rev John Takle. retired Baptist minister, aged 69. He had lived in Wellington since ill health forced him from the mission field in Eastern Bengal in 1922.