Tales from the Passed
George Prince Amor was of a decidedly artistic temperament, and dearly loved his canvas and brushes, his paintings being much admired.
George Amor
The 47-year-old from Te Awamutu was by trade a painter, paperhanger and decorator and a conscientious and capable workman. George was also an enthusiastic resident, being a lieutenant in the Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade, an official of the Te Awamutu Defence Rifle Club and a member of the Te Awamutu Chamber of Commerce.
He was a keen supporter of the Boy Scouts movement. In his earlier days he took an active interest in athletics and still encouraged any healthy recreation. He was an official of the Te Awamutu Swimming Club and also the Philharmonic Society. He played a prominent part in musical affairs, being himself a violinist of no mean ability.
So it was a surprise, when in the early hours of May 29, 1914, George began complaining of pains around his heart. Several hours earlier he had taken a spirited interest in a meeting of the Defence Rifle Club. As the pain became more acute, a doctor was summoned, but apart from occasional attacks of pain, George was quite cheerful throughout the day. About 3.30pm, when he was sitting up in bed talking with his wife, he suddenly swooned and fell back. A doctor was again immediately sent for but on his arrival five minutes later it was found that George had died.
When the news of his death was made known it was met with disbelief. The greatest sympathy was felt for Mary, his wife, and their five children, in their extremely sudden bereavement.
George was born at Doyleston, Christchurch, educated at Leeston, and served a six year painting apprenticeship at Rangiora. He afterwards went to Greymouth where he was in a partnership for 18 months. George then followed his trade in Wellington, Petone, Shannon, Palmerston North, Hastings and Dannevirke, where in 1899, he married Mary Hagenson. A newspaper report of this “wedding of especial interest” said “on leaving the church the newlywed couple was treated to the usual quantity of rice and old boots.”
In 1904 the Amors moved to Feilding where George took over a painting business. He employed 12 people and carried a large stock of imported paper hangings, paints, colours, oils, picture framing and other decorative materials. Outside of business he was a member of the Freemasons, and rowing and athletic club. He came to Te Awamutu in 1911, quickly becoming a worthy and respected citizen.
At his funeral members of the Te Awamutu Defence Rifle Club acted as pallbearers, the coffin being followed by a large number of mourners as it left the Amor residence in Arawata Street. A guard of honour was formed by the Boy Scouts. At Te Awamutu’s St John’s church Reverend Clarke referred to the uncertainty of life saying George had been a useful member of society suddenly taken while apparently in his usual health.
The graveside service was sad and impressive; many wreaths having been sent by the numerous organisations that the lively George had once been connected with.
Tales from the Passed. Photo: Anna-Louise, pexels.com
