FOUND DROWNED

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19890, 20 May 1936, Page 7

FOUND DROWNED

MR HUBERT E. VAILE. WELL-KNOWN BUSINESS MAN. RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Wednesday. The body of Mr Hubert E. Valle, one of Auckland's most progressive business men. was found in the harbour near the Orakei wharf shortly before mid-day. He left home on Sunday afternoon, and his relatives became concerned. A boy, aged 15, who was fishing for sprats from the Orakei wharf on Monday forenoon, hauled up a silver wristlet watch on his hook. The watch was still going and the boy took it home. When his family read that Mr Vaile was missing they noticed that the watch was engraved with Mr Vaile’s initials, and reported the matter to the police, who dragged the vicinity of the wharf this morning and within a few minutes they brought the body to the surface. Mr Vaile, was managing director of Messrs Samuel Valle and Sons, a leading firm of real estate agents. He was born in Auckland and was educated at the Grammar School. He always had been active in social and civic affairs, and took a large part in the establishment of the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and the scenic reserve on the Waitakere ranges. He formerly was a member of the Epsom Road Board and president of the Society of Arts. For years he was associated with the Jubilee institute for the Blind, and the Auckland Savings Bank. He was president of the Auckland Institute and museum for 17ve years, and a member of the Institute Council till his death. In 1929 he unsuccessfully contested the mayoral election against Mr George Baildon, then the sitting Mayor.