George Sowerby, (1854-18/6/1933). "a noted wrestler"

WAIMANGAROA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent). Death has removed two respected residents front our midst during the past week. Mr S. Lea passed away on Tuesday week, and Mr George Sowerby on Sunday morning. Mr Lea was a native of Lancashire. He had been in poor health this last few months, but his end was unexpected. He leaves a willow and daughter to mourn his loss. Mr George Sowerby was a native of England, and had been a resident of Waimangaroa for a great number of years. In the early days, the late Mr Sowerby had the contract for the lowering of coal on the Koranui Incline. From there he transferred to the Denniston Incline as rope splicer and foreman, and he remained there until his retirement some twenty years ago. He was a man of immense, strength, and in the early days was a noted wrestler in the Buller District. Deceased was eighty years of age, and during his lifetime was an earnest Churchman. He is survived by a brother, Mr John Sowerby of Waimangaroa, to whom we extend our sympathy.  -Grey River Argus, 27/6/1933.

Waimangaroa Cemetery.  Photo from "Find a Grave."