East, Frederick Charles

Frederick Charles East

The death occurred yesterday of Mr Frederick Charles East, an old resident of Christchurch and very well known in connection with horticulture. Mr East, who was born in Oxford, England, seventy-one years ago, came to New Zealand with his mother and brothers in the Glentanner in 1857, and the family settled in Christchurch.

In his early years Mr East was an enthusiastic member of the first Volunteer company formed in Canterbury, and always took a keen interest in the defence movement, being secretary of the “Bluejumpers’ Association,” the body of old Volunteers which up to a few years ago held an annual celebration of the first camp held at Hillsborough. When quite a young man he entered the employ of the “Lyttelton Times” Company, and having shown considerable promise as an artist, was appointed a draughtsman. Later he held the position of factory manager.

For many years Mr East led a very active life, and in the closing years of his association with the company was appointed head of the reading staff, a position which he relinquished a few years ago.

In his youth Mr East was a fine horseman, and it is interesting to recall that in the early days of racing in Canterbury he won the second Derby, run in 1863, on Azucena, the property of Mr H. P. Lance.

Mr East was also a singer of some merit, and was for many years a member of St Luke’s choir. He was a photographer and in the early days of the science made many valuable pictures of scenes in Christchurch that have become historic. Mr East took some of the first photographs published in the “Canterbury Times.”

But it was as an horticulturist that he was best known. Always a keen lover of flowers, he devoted many years to the study of botany, and the culture of blooms, and was year after year a consistent winner of prizes. His collections of ferns, palms and orchids were among the finest belonging to amateurs in the Dominion. He took a great interest in the Horticultural Society and was for many years a most active member.

He leaves a widow and a family of two daughters and five sons, one of whom is Mr F. H. East, tho well-known stationer. Two brothers, Mr A. E. P. East of Merivale, and the Rev H. E. East of Leithfield, survive him. the eldest brother, Mr F. W. East, of Prebbleton, having died a few months ago.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17253, 22 August 1916