OBITUARY

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20511, 30 May 1938, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR GEORGE SOANES The death occurred on Saturday of Mr George Soanes, one of the first taxi-drivers in Hamilton, aged 61 years. The late Mr Soanes was bom at Barnet, about 10 miles from London, and came to New Zealand over 40 years ago. For some time he was farming on the Te Akau Estate, near Raglan, and about 35 years ago came to Hamilton. Mr Soanes drove a hansom cab here in the early days and was the first person in Hamilton to obtain a taxi, in which business he was engaged during the past 25 years. During the time he lived in Hamilton, Mr Soanes took an interest in the Presbyterian Church. Deceased is survived by two sons and one daughter. They are Messrs Percy Soanes and Ronald Soanes (Hamilton), and Mrs T. Robcke (Hamilton). LABT TRIBUTE PAID LARGELY-ATTENDED FUNERAL There was a cortege when the last respeots were paid to *he late Mr George Soanes afternoon. A service was held, the Rev. H. G. Gilbert officiating. Later he officiated at the graveside at the Hamilton East cemetery. Representatives of the taxi services in Hamilton and also of Buses, Ltd., attended. AN APPRECIATION (Contributed) A link with the early days of the present century in the Waikato was snapped on Saturday by the sudden death of George Soanes after a short illness. George Soanes had a very wide circle of friends in all ranks of society. His services as a taxi-driver were always in demand, and always cheerfully given to rich or poor, Maori or pakeha, from the humblest “ cockle ” or citizen to many distinguished visitors from overseas. He belonged to the old school, with a high sense of duty, and a simple and transparent kindliness. If success in life is to be measured not by worldly wealth or high station, but by service rendered to his fellowmen, his portion of success was surely well filled and running over To know “ George ” at his best, one had to travel long journeys with him in those early days over rough and muddy roads with the spade and chains ready in the back seat His endeavour was at all times to make his “ fare ” snug and comfortable, and to get him safely to his journey’s end, no matter what difficulties lay aheadStarting in Hamilton in his hansom cab, and having since covered many thousands of miles in his buses and taxi-cars, he has left a great record behind him of kind and cheerful service, and a memory that will be affectionately cherished by countless numbers of admirers and friends. MR 8. J. BANBON (Special to Times.) OTOROHANGA, Monday. The death has occurred at Palmerston North, as the result of a levelcrossing accident, of Mr Samuel James J Sanson (74), a well-known farmer of | the Kiokio district, near Otorohanga. 1 Arriving in Otorohanga from Pal- ! merston North about 25 years ago, Mr Sanson was widely known as a progressive farmer. Shortly after his arrival he purchased a considerable area of virgin land at Kiokio. which he converted into nnp of the finest mixedstock properties in the King Country. | Mr Sanson took a keen interest in all I forms of sport and in his youth was | a prominent footballer and all-round | athlete. He was a patron of several I sporting bodies and was a member of the Otorohanga County Council for : a number of years, i Deceased is survived by his wife • and a grown-up family.