THE LATE MR EDWARD HOULT

The following account referring tc the death of a well-known country resident, is taken from the New Zealand Tablet : On November 12. the death occurred at his residence. '' Willowdale," Waiiti, of Mr Edward Hoult, one of the pioneers of the Wakefield district. The deceased was the oldest member of St. Joseph's congregation. Born at Birmingham on September 3, 1841, he came to New Zealand in the ship Prince of Wales, arriving on Christmas Day, 1842. The family settled at Wai-iti, where Mr Hoult's father established a large sawmilling business, in which, in the course of time, he was joined by his sons. "When Father Garin contemplated the erection of a church at Weketield, it was the Hoult family which ensured the success of the project by making a free gift of the timber for the building. Heart of totara was chosen, and this was cut and dressed under Mr Hoult's supervision. His generous gift was later improved by r a handsome donation on the opening day. ''Willowdale" has been the home of this pioneer family for threequarters of a century, during which time their generous hospitality and support have been extended to all the Nelson prie=ts. Besides, his deep interest in parochial affairs. Mr Hoult was always a prominent supporter of matters affecting the welfare of the district., though his retiring disposition would never yield to the repeated requests that he should enter public life. Failing health confined him to closer retirement during recent years, and for the past three years the end of a long and useful career was obviously near. During his last illness Mr Hou'lt was attended by the Rev. Fathers Tvmons. Dignan. and McGrath, the last-named officiating at the Requiem Ma-s and funeral at St. Joseph's. Wakefield, on November 14. There was a large and representative Catherine, and the words of the Rev. Father McGrath. S.M.. regarding the personal worth of the deceased as a citizen and a Catholic, found r.n echo in the hearts of all present. .Sincere M-mpatliv is felt for the family of Mr Hoult. of whom the following survive :-—Messrs Edward-. (Belgrove). Frank and Louis (Wai-iti). and Austin (Grevmonthb and Mesdame = J. Ballantvne" (Auckland), G. F. Kingston, and M. A. Mcßride fNelsoni. and Miss Beattie Hoult (Wai-iit).—R.l.P.