OBITUARY.

MRS W. HARRISON

(Contributed.)

Early on Thursday morning, the 13th inst, Mrs Win. Harrison', of Man-a-apai, passed peacefully a\vay, ripe and full of years. Her death, from senile decay, was not unexpected she having been confined to her room for the past eleven months. Her work is done and she has gone to her rest and reward, leaving behind the memories of a life's work well done.

Deceased was bonn at 'Newry, County Down, Ireland, on the Sth January, 1525, and lived there with her parents till leaving for New Zealand, having arrived at Auckland m the ship Tornado in 1859. With her brothers, S. and W. a Donaldson, she came on to Maungakaraniea and settled there for a time. Returning to Auckland city she commenced i;i business as a milliner and it was from there she became the second wiEo of Wm. Harrison.

lAiway back in those pioneer aays half a' century ago, life was not so easy as to-day. It meant, hardship, rigid economy and strenuous work, but Mrs Harrison faced it all with a light heart and proved herself a true helpmeet indeed. Well might it have been said of her:—"Her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool and flax and worketh with her hands. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretclieth out her hand to the poor; yea, she re.ichetn forth her hands to the needy. Her husband is known in the sates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She looketh well to the ways, of her househo'd, and eateth not the bread of idleness."

Harrison's store is one of the old land marks of the district, and to her in a great measure the continued success of th e business must be attributed. Owing to advanced age Mr and Mrs Harrison retired from- business many years ago, -settling down close

Mrs Harrison's only son succumbed to an attack of measles while in the prime of life. 'Many mothers would have gone down under the bow but the grace of God whom she loved and stayed herself upon was sufficient for alfher needs. Her faith and Christianity were more than something to be talked about.

The body was removed to the Presbyterian Church early on Saturday morning. Before tire funeral at 2 o'clock service was held, the church being well filled. Many floral wreaths, tokens of love and respect, were in evidence. Through a blinding storm •of wind and rain a large concourse followed the remains from the churcTi to the cemetery, about half-a-mile. Willing hands carried the .coffin. Both services, in the church and at the graveside, wer c conducted by Rev. D. C. Stewart, Presbyterian Missioner.

Mr Harrison, who is also in his 92nd year, was the recipient of many telegrams of condolence and has the sincere sympathy of all who know him. Truly, it was wonderful-to see this aged pilgrim, erect and firm, accompanied by bis grand-son, Mr Wm. Murray, of G'enmurray, walking through the rain and over a muddy road rmd waiting to see the gr.rve' close over the mortal remains of his dear wife.

A suitable roemoriol service was held last Sunday afternoon in the Presbyterian Church.