OBITUARY

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20493, 9 May 1938, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR GEORGE RUTHERFORD FAMOUS SCIENTIST’S BROTHER RESIDENCE IN HAMILTON (Special to Times.) AUCKLAND, Monday The death occurred at his home In Mount Eden on Friday of the eldeet brother of the late Lord Rutherford of Nelson, Mr George Rutherford, aged 71 years. Mrs H. G Sergei, of Hamilton," is a sister. In his early days Mr Rutherford was a leading figure In the flaxmllltng Industry, having been associated with hie father at Raglan and Kawhia. He wae born at Spring Grove, Nelson. In 1867, 4J years earlier than his famous brother. who was fourth of a family of 12 children. Apart from being Interested In the fiax-mllllng business at Raglan, Mr Rutherford was also a well-known sheep farmer In the district. At the conclusion of the Great War he acquired a dairy farm at Te Rapa and resided In Hamilton for 20 years. Mr Rutherford was very Interested In racing and was well known In racing circles in the Waikato. He was also keenly Interested In Maori affairs, and delighted in gathering information In regard to native history and tribal customs. In 1887 Mr James Rutherford acquired rights over a large area of land at Cape Egmont, Taranaki, and In partnership with his soq established the flaxmllllng Industry there. The enterprise soon reached large-scale production. The two Rutherfords took a lead In using new milling processes. They introduced a system of steeping and scraping the fibre to eliminate “ Juice," and were the first to grade both leaf and fibre. They also planted considerable areas in flax and made the earlliest experiments in side-leaf cutting. After controlling various mills In Taranaki. Mr George Rutherford acquired further flax areas at Raglan and Kawhia and established mills at both these places and at Te Aoterel and Ruapuke. He disposed of his interest in the district in 1918 and purchased a property at Te Rapa, where he resided until 1933, when failing health compelled him to retire. In 1901. Mr Rutherford married the eldest daughter of Captain W. E. Anderson. of Auckland, and he leaves a familv of two sons and three daughters. all but one of whom reside In the Auckland Province.