OBITUARY.

MR J. W. SAWLE,

Mr James Wright Sawle, who died October Ist, was ono of ilio pioneers, of South .Australia. Born in Cornwall in IS3-5, he was live years of age when iiis father, who was a Congregational minister, sailed with his family in ono of the first four ships that arrived at Port Adelaide. Settling at Augustan, lie founded and ministered to the first Congregational church, and also engaged iu farming pursuits. The first shipment of grain lrom South Australia to England included wheat from his farm. On the death of his father, as a result of an accident, young James, at the age of eighteen was called to carry the cares and responsibilities of the family, and very largely of the church also. In 1870 he brought his family to New Zealand, and settled in the Ashburton district. There he very speedily established himself as a capable farmer. He also took an active interest in all social, • political, and religious matters. Preaching nearly every Sunday, ho often rode forty miles to fulfil engagements He was very early a strong advocate of women's franchise and of no-license. On one occasion he headed the poll for the Asliburfon licensing Committee, and although the only nolicense supporter to be returned, lie became chairman. He contested a seat in the House of Representatives, but was unsuccessful. Always taking a great interest in education, he was a member of the North Canterbury Board from 1890 to 189 G. He then removed to Taranaki, where he busied himself in advancing the progress of that district. Fourteen years ago he returned to this Island, and had since lived a retired life at St. Albans.