Maurice Beattie

From an article in the Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 14, October 1970

MR. MAURICE BEATTIE.

It is with deep regret that we record the death of Maurice Beattie, a very helpful member of Paeroa Society's Committee, and husband of our valued Treasurer, Mona Beattie (nee Spinley). He was born in Paeroa, one of the ten children (EDIT: actually 11) of the local constable his sister Nellie (EDIT: Born Ellen, nicknamed Nellie) of Hamilton now being the only survivor. Maurice was educated here and as a lad served with several firms (F.J. Wells, F.C. Blyth, and Grey & Menzies) before joining the Farmers Auctioneering Co. as a stock agent in Morrinsville where he married. After 33 years he returned to Paeroa where he was employed for 16 years by G.W. Vercoe & Co. Ltd. and met heavy demands on his time and service.

Subsequently Mr. & Mrs. Beattie took over a shoe store in Normanby Road and played a very full part in local affairs. At the time of his death Mr. Beattie was a member of the Paeroa Borough Council having served for 11 years. He was known for his fair mindedness and willing co-operation and is greatly missed in the town where he supported every good cause. He was elected a life member of the Hauraki A.& P Association in recognition of his long service.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Beattie, her daughter Marion (Mrs. Maurice Smith of Hikutaia, mother of three children), and her sons Allan and Lionel. They are all a great credit to their parents and Paeroa is proud of them. Lionel who is the youngest has followed in the footsteps of his Grandfather. He served with the Peace Keeping Force in Cypress, married in England and has one son. Now after several quick promotions (Auckland and Wellington) he is Sergeant of Police at Masterton.

Allan, who was Dux of his Schools here had an outstanding University career and after graduating B.E. and practising his engineering profession be was granted a Scholarship which entitled him to spend a year at a French University. This was followed by several years in England. He was always a keen footballer, and continued to play for Universities. For the last two years he has been in Johannesburg on large scale construction work, but came home for a month during his father's illness. The Historical Society is indebted to him for an outstanding address on the complicated early history of South Africa, helping us towards a better perspective of that country's problems.