Mead , Arthur D.

1888-1977. He was awarded the Military Medal for his service at Passchendale. He was subsequently employed primarily as waterworks engineer for the Auckland City Council. He took a strong interest in Maori studies and conservation, publishing articles in Polynesian-related journals and authoring three books on the Wanganui River, including Richard Taylor: Missionary Tramper. His wide interests led to his penning several articles in NZ Baptist during the 1930s depression, articulating a Christian view of economic issues. For many years he was member of the Avondale Baptist Church and he was a member of the Tawa-Linden Baptist Church at his death. A prominent Baptist layman, he was Secretary of the Baptist Maori Board at the time when Maori work recommenced in the 1950s. Refs: Obituary: Evening Post 9 June 1977; NZB August 1977.