Timeline
Title
Country/Nationality
George Iles
George Iles was a winger and centre who played for the New Zealand rugby league team. He debuted for them in 1919 and became Kiwi number 125. He played his club rugby league for the Grafton Athletic and Newton Rangers teams in the Auckland Rugby League competition. He later moved to Tauranga and played for Tauranga and Bay of Plenty at rugby union including against the touring Springbok team in 1921. In 1922 he made an effort to establish Rugby League in the Tauranga area which failed however he did play matches for Tauranga and a Bay of Plenty league team who played against Auckland and the touring New South Wales team.
George Iles grew up in Christchurch. He was the son of Harriet and Albert Iles, whose parents had come to New Zealand in one of the First Four Ships, which brought settlers to Canterbury. Albert was a successful sportsman in his own right captaining the Sydenham Football Club in the 1880s and representing Canterbury and Southland for several years. He was also a champion runner. In 1912 the family moved to Auckland where they lived until 1919 and it was during these years that George made a name for himself as a rugby league player.
He and his brother Arthur established a wool and hide exporting business based in Tauranga immediately after moving there in 1920 exporting "hides, calf skins, sheepskins, wool, tallow, horsehair etc". They were based on Willow St., Tauranga with depots in Te Puke, Whakatane, and Taneatua and acted as agents for Wilson and Canham.
George Iles died on March 27, 1933 one day before what would have been his 40th birthday, after suffering from a “severe illness”. His funeral was held on March 29 with a very large gathering present at the Holy Trinity Church. His pall-bearers were members of various football clubs, namely “Ike Tangitu (Maori Clubs), C. Cameron, J. Duncan and A. Tassell (Athletics Club), and W. Mansel and C. Haua (Cadets Old Boys)”. The funeral was also attended by various members of Bay of Plenty organisations including the mayor of Tauranga and representatives of all the football clubs and over two hundred telegrams were received from all over the country.
George Iles was survived by his widow Grace Malven Iles, who he had wed in 1927, and two young sons.
Books by George Iles
Little Masterpieces of Science: Health and Healing
"Little Masterpieces in Science" edited by George Iles, Health and Healing is a collection of articles written by prominent physicians and scientists describing key advances in medicine through the end of the 19th century. Published in 1902, this boo...
Little Masterpieces of Science - Invention and Discovery
It is a comprehensive guide to various inventions and discoveries that have shaped the world we live in. It was first published in 1902 and has since been reprinted several times. Each essay in this book is a detailed account of a different scientif...
Little Masterpieces of Science - Mind
This is the essays that delves into the mysteries of the human mind. Written in the late 19th century, this book explores the nature of the mind and its relation to the brain, the role of emotions in human cognition, and the science behind dreams and...
Little Masterpieces of Science - The Naturalist as Interpreter and Seer
It explores the natural world through the eyes of a naturalist. Originally published in 1902, this book is a timeless classic that continues to inspire readers today. George Iles, a renowned American essayist and editor, invites readers to join him...
Little Masterpieces of Science - The Skies and The Earth
It explores the wonders of the natural world. Published in 1902, the book is part of a series of "Little Masterpieces" that aimed to bring science and literature to the general public in an accessible and engaging way. In "The Skies," Iles delves in...
Little Masterpieces of Autobiography - Writers
This is a compelling collection of autobiographical works from renowned writers. This anthology, compiled by George Iles, offers readers a glimpse into the personal lives and experiences of these literary figures, providing a fascinating insight into...
Little Masterpieces of Science - Explorers
This is a captivating compilation written by the esteemed author George Iles. First published in the late 19th century, this remarkable book takes readers on a captivating journey, shedding light on the remarkable achievements and daring exploits of...