OBITUARY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 March 1940, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR F. J. HUNN. A well known and respected resident of Masterton, Mr Frederic John Hunn, died suddenly at his residence in Dixon Street this morning. Mr Hunn, who was 75 years of age, retired from business last year. He lived most of his life in Masterton and took a prominent part in many local activities. He was born at Maidstone in Kent and came to New Zealand at the age of 24, where he followed his trade in Wellington. Grey town and Palmerston North before settling in Masterton about 35 years ago. Mr Hunn was manager for Thos. Wagg and Co. for 20 years until he set up in business on his own account 15 years ago. Shortly after arriving here, Mr Hunn married Miss Anne Peterson and shared with her a live interest in musical affairs until her death five years ago. Mr Hunn was choirmaster and his wife organist of St Matthew’s Church and both were members of the Masterton Choral Society and the Masterton Orchestral Society. Mr Hunn was not only a leading ’cellist in the town but a singer whose services were much in demand at concerts throughout the Wairarapa. During the Great War he was joint organiser of the patriotic concerts and his musical and military items were largely responsible for their success. Masonry was a dominant interest in Mr riunn’s life and .he held high office in both the Grand Lodge of New Zealand and the Masterton Lodge No. 19. He was a Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master of the Wellington district and a Past Master of Masterton Lodge No. 19. For over thirty years he had been secretary of the Masterton Lodge. On various occasions he attended Grand Lodge communications on behalf of the Masterton Lodge, the last time being in November. 1939. In addition, he was a member of the local chapter of Rose Croix, of which he was a Past M.W. and a member of the Royal Arch Chapter. As a young man Mr Hunn was a colour-sergeant in the “Buffs,” the famous East Kent Regiment, and was a skilled exponent of such M military exercises as single-stick, quarterstaff, gymnastics and boxing. He was at the same time lightweight and heavyweight boxing phampion of his battalion. On coming to New Zealand Mr Hunn became interested in the volunteers and rose to the rank of Major. He commanded the local volunteer corps during the last war.

Mr Hunn trained the Masterton. Municipal Band in military manoeuvres on a number of occasions, and led the band as drum-major at several contests. Under his leadership the band won the Dominion A grade quick-step competition at Nelson, and achieved other successes. The band was also second in the A grade quick-step at the Christchurch Exhibition, and was second in a quick-step contest at Masterton and at Napier. Another interest was the Workmen’s Friend Building Society, of which Mr Hunn was chairman for a long period, and was one of the original directors. Mr Hunn is survived by his two sons, Messrs J. K. Hunn and D. A. Hunn, of Auckland and Masterton, respectively, and a daughter, Miss M. B. Hunn, also of Auckland.

The funeral will take place tomorrow, leaving the late residence, 128 Dixon Street, at the conclusion of a service, commencing at 3 p.m., for the Masterton Cemetery.

MR C. J. BEARD. The death has occurred of Mr C. J. Beard, Princess Street, Palmerston North, at the age of nearly 82. Mr Beard’s parents came io New Zealand in 1857 in the ship Alma, and be was born near the old blockhouse'at Upper Hutt. In 1882 he married a daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Thomas Braggins, who had arrived in the ship Oliver Lang a year before his parents, the ceremony being performed m St. Luke’s Church. Greytown, by the Rev. V. White. Subsequently the couple settled in rhe Wairarapa district, where Mr Beard was well known as a builder and contractor. He retired about 15 years ago and went to live in Palmerston North.

Mr Beard was keenly interested in local body government and in all branches of sport. One of the founders of the Wairarapa Rugby Union, he was also one of its original players, and in 1882 he represented Wellington province against the visiting team from New South Wales on their first tour of New Zealand. He was looked on as one of the best forwards of the day, and again took the field as a representative player against a New South Wales team on their second visit. Mr Beard was also one of the founders of the Wairarapa Trotting Club, and was chairman of the stewards for 18 years. He had served on practically all the local bodies in Greytown. He was a member of the borough council for 14 years, and was chairman of the Greytown School Committee for 18 years. Mrs Beard was also prominent in social work in the district, and took an active interest in the Red Cross during the last war. Mr Beard is survived by four sons and two daughters—Messrs W. R. Beard (New Plymouth). E. G. Beard (Rangiotu), F. H. Beard (Auckland), mid C. R. Beard (Palmerston North), end Mesdames W. F. Drake (Wellington). and 11. H. Finn (Whakatane). There are 18 grandchildren. MRS G. J. EDWARDS. An old and respected resident of Palmerston North. Mrs Emily Edwards, widow of the late Mr George James Edwards, died recently in a private hospital after a short illness. She was ;.() years of age. Mrs Edwards was born in Akaroa end with her husband moved to the Wairarapa district, being among the early pioneers. Mr Edwards farmed in Eke'tahuna for more than 20 years, and later Mrs Edwards went to Palmerston North, where she resided with her late daughter. Mrs Edwards enjoyed good health till within a few days of her death. Iler husband predeceased her 1:> years ago, and her only daughter died tire previous week. She is survived by five sons.