Newspaper Article 1934 – Obituary – Mr George Reid

OBITUARY

Mr. George Reid

Another of the early pioneers, Mr George Reid of Taradale, a Crimean veteran, died at his home on Saturday evening at the advanced age of 92 years. The late Mr Reid, who was born at Dover, England in 1842, went to sea at a very early age, serving on men-of-war. As a naval rating he took part in the Crimean War, being a powder-boy.

In 1869 he gave up a naval career and in the same year came to live in Taradale, where he had resided since. Four years later he married and last year he and Mrs Reid celebrated their diamond jubilee. In the early days he was caretaker of the Napier Park racecourse. On relinquishing this position he worked in the employ of the Hawke’s Bay County Council for over 30 years. During this period he spent much of his time on county work in the back blocks. Living away from home so much, a good deal of hardship was entailed and to him credit is due for some of the development which took place in the back country roads.

The late Mr Reid took no part in public affairs, but took a keen interest in different branches of sport. Of a retiring disposition, he was highly respected by the many people with whom he came in contact.

He leaves a widow, three daughters (Mrs R. McCartney and Mrs J. Hickey, both of Taradale, and Mrs T. McCormack, of Maraekakaho), and two sons (Mr Pat Reid, of Hokianga and Mr J. Reid of Wairoa). The interment will take place tomorrow afternoon at 2.30p.m., leaving the Meeanee Catholic Church for the Taradale Cemetery. Requiem Mass will be held at 7 a.m. tomorrow.