OBITUARY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 298, 30 September 1935, Page 6

OBITUARY

MRS DOROTHEA CHRISTENSEN.

Mrs Dorothea Christensen, whose death occurred recently at the home of her daughter, Mrs G. Hancox (iPrebbleton), wjas one of the early colonists of Canterbury. Mrs Christensen was born in 1854 in Christiana, Norway. As a young woman of 18 she faced the long sea journey cf six months to New Zealand, without friends and knowing nothing of the English language and the ways of the country which was to be her new home. :She lived for two years with the family of the late Mr J. McLachlan (Doyleiston), and 1 later with the family of Mr Doyle, in the same district. ‘ During this period she learned the English language. A little later she was married to another new arrival, Mr Jens Lauritz Christensen, of Denmark, a builder and contractor. They took up a farm in 1880 in the Ruapuna district, and five years later moved to Mayfield, where they lived for 27 years, and experienced all the ups and downs of farmers of that period. Later they moved to Ashburton, and thence to Christchurch, where Mr Christensen died five years ago. Of a family of 12, 11 (three sons and eight daughters) are still living. There arc 39 grandchildren, and five greatgrandchildren.

MRS J. WADDINGTON. Widespread regret was felt at the sudden passing of Mrs Ellen Waddington, wife of Mr G. Waddington, of Methven. Although in illhealth for some considerable time, was about in her usual duties, her end was not expected. Mrs Waddington was of a very likeable disposition, and until her health compelled her partial retirement, was a very active worker for anything for the welfare of Methven district. In sport her activities were most prominent, a captain of the Ladies’ Golf Club. -She was a native of Leicester, and came to New Zealand with her husband after the war. Her husband, with four sons, Messrs George Eric, Douglas, Ivor Waddington and one daughter survive to morun her loss. The funeral, which was largely attended, took place at the Methven Cemetery. The Rev. E. A. Osmers conducted the service at the house and at the graveside. The pall-bearers were Messrs G. and D. Cleeve, G. Petrie, A. Lawrence, E. J. Kilworth and A. Compton.