Gus Clifden Tapper a third generation Southlander and proud of it.

Mr Gustavus Clifden Tapper, died at the age of 75 and was a third generation Southlander and proud of it. Everyone would know Gus from the motor industry in Invercargill but he was deeply involved political culture and recreational activities of Invercargill and Southland.

Gus was born at Clifden Station, just outside Tuatapere, and lived the early part of his life there.  He moved to Invercargill just after World War 1 . He attended Clifden and Waihopi primary schools and Southland Technical College.
Gus joined Southland Electric Power Supply as a draughtsman and then at the beginning of the 1930's went to the parts department of Watts and Greives Ltd, who were Morris dealers.  During his work years there he moved up the chain and held such positions as secretary, manager and managing director.  where he built a small local garage into a substantial business.
The was a strong supporter of the New Zealand Retail Motor Trade Association and served on its national executive and for a short time as New Zealand president.
He tramped in many parts of Southland  and Fiordland  being a keen tramper and even ventured into unexplored areas.  He was also a keen supporter of the New Zealand Alpine Club and served on committees at local level.  He was a foundation member of the Southland division.  His love of the outdoors and wanting to ensure the young people have the same love he joined the Scouting momvement after WW2.  He rose to the position of Southland Area Commissioner.  He was an active member of the National Party during the late Ralph Hanan's term of office.  He was also active in the Rotary Club being on the committee and an archivist for the Anderson Park Art Gallery Society.  
He wanted to see Southland grow as a province and was a member of the Southland Progress League and was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1968,
Gus married Miss Janet Miller Barclay, of Kurow in the late 1930's who was teaching in Invercargill at the time.  His wife predeceased him.  He is survived by his four sons, Clifden Tapper (Barewood Station, Middlemarch), Hugh Tapper (Invercargill), Jules Tapper (Invercargill) and Richard Tapper (Fairlie)