OBITUARY

HON. W. W. McCARDLE

A life of much public utility came to a close three weeks ago at Walton, in the Waikaito district, when the death took place of the Hon. William Wilson McCardle, ex-M.L.C., at the age of 77 years. The remains were conveyed for interment to Pahiatua, where the deceased gentleman had lived for miunv years. Mr McCardle was born in Kirkcudbrightshire County, Scotland, and "•nme to New Zealand as a youth of 17. First of all lie followed farming pursuits in Canterbury for a time and then removed to Dunedin, taking up the occupation of nurseryman and seedsman. His marriage took place in Dunedin, and ihis next location was Masterton. This marked the beginning of his public career. He was a staunch Liberal, and contested the Mastcrton seat against Air George Bcetham, who won by only n small majority of votes. Mr McCardle 's 'public career included, at various times, membership of the Masterton Borough Council and Town Lands Trust Board, also of the Waira/rapa Counity I Council, the Wellington Land Board and Wellington Education Board. It was .mainly duo to his energy that it/he opening for settlement of the FortyMile Bush at Pahiatua was accomplished, the demand for settlement .space being then very urgent, but with no facilities offering. The institution of the township of Paihiatuia as credited to his endeavours iand acumen. n V ~ * , „ residTne next venue of jvu once was Kawliia, where ibe was closely associated in the inauguration of the T'lavvhia County Council. He was called to the Legislative Council on January 22, 1907, and while o member of the Second Chamber gave good proof of his legislative capacity. His career at Ivawlua included membership of the Harbour Board of that locality. Another of liis ventures in the political j field was a contest against Mir Massey, the present Prime Minister, for the representation of Franklin in Parliament, though he did not succeed in ousting his redoubtable opponent. Eventually Mr McCardle •settled at Walton and resided there for the rest of his life.

Ho loaves a "widow, six sons and two ■daughters, one of rthc sons being Mr A. MeCardle, who with his wife and daughter resides in the Mangakahia district.