OBITUARY.

MR. JOHN HIONUY BENXEIt

It is our sa<l duty !o r.cml the death of Mr John H»nry Vtenner one of the oldest and most highly respected farmers of Pongakawn, which occurred at his residence " Clonmel," on Saturday last at the age of 69 yrars. Deceased had only been confined to bed for three, weeks, ulid despite medical care and every attention, passed away as above stated, the cause of death being an ailment of the heart. The late Mr Benner was born in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland, his father being a well known solicitor in that part of the country, where the name has been known tor many generations. He engaged in business for a long period in the South of Ire'and. and came to New Zealand, with his w fe and family, some 20 years ago, ttkiig up a farming property at Pongakawn, where be had since resided. 0c took a great interest iv school affairs, aiid was secretary of the Pongakavra School Committee from the establishment of the school up till his demise. The late Mr Benner was a man of high character, and possessed a most genial disposition, and a generous heart. Hi& death leaves a bUnk that will be hard to fill, for the hospitality which he 'dispensed at ''Clonmel" gave him a! reputation as i.'hosl that has long since spread beyond the confines of Pongakawa. Ho was held in the very highest esteem by bis fellow-settlers, and a large circle of acquaintances will learn of his demise with the keenest regret. Deceased is survived by four sons and four daughters. The sons are Messrs* Henry and Arthur E Benner, of the Waihi Gold Mining Company's cleri( al staff; Mr William J. Benner, farmer, of Paengaroa ;. and Mr Albert Benner, who was associated with the " Clonmel " property. The daughters are Mrs J. Ball, of Pongakawa ; Miss Maud Benner, teacher of the Te Matai School; and Misses Amy and Millie Benner, who resided with their father The burial took yln.ee on Sunday, deceased's remains being laid to rest in tho Te Puke Cemetery \ The fuueral cortege was a very lengthy one,, and testified to the great regard in which the deceased gentleman was held throughout the Pongakawa, Paengaroa and Te Puke districts. The late Mr Benner was an adherent of the Church of EngVul a:.d in the absence of a minister of that denomiuation, the Rev. A. H. Ncnie conducted the service at the graveside in a most impressive manner.