PASSED AWAY.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 183, 4 August 1919, Page 9

PASSED AWAY.

SEVERAL OLD COLONISTS. In the obituary columns to-day appear the notices of the death of several old residents of Auckland at advanced ages. MRS. THOMAS PHILLIPS. The death of Mrs. Thomas Phillips at the ripe age of 8S years occurred at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. H. Slade, of Patterson Street, Edendale, late on Saturday night. Mrs. Phillips was a Miss Frances Ralph, and arrived with, her parents in Port Nicholson by the ship Lord William Bentinck as far back as IS4I, her father, Mr. James Ralph, and his family being amongst the first settlers who arrived to form the settlement which became the city of Wellington. The late Mr. Thomas Phillips was a private in the 65th Regiment, and arrived in Sydney in 1547, having come out as a guard on a convict ship. From there his regiment came across to Auckland, and went on at once to Wellington. He served in the Taranaki War for a couple of years, and then the regiment was transferred to Auckland in IS6O, during the Waikato War. Mrs. Phillips has resided in Auckland ever since ISGO. and during the whole of that time had never been, further away than Otahuhu and Devonport. The former place she visited several times when her husband's regiment was stationed there during the Maori War. Mrs. Phillips had ne\er foeen on the railway. She had enjoyed splendid health throughout her long life, and died peacefully in her sleep. Deceased is survived by the following children: Messrs. Thomas, Harry, James and William Phillips; Mesdames J. F. Brown, J. Haig, and H. Slade. There are 32 grandchildren, and 51 greatgrandchildren. Four grandsons served at the front, one making the supreme sacrifice.

CAPTAIN C. C. HUTCHINGS.

At the last meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board, the chairman, Mr. H. D. Heather, informed the members that the traffic manager, Mr. C. C. Hutchings, was in a critical condition. The death occurred yesterday afternoon. Captain Hutchings had been for the past week suffering from ail internal complaint, as a sequel to influerjza. He was 40 years of age and a married man, was born in England, and entered the mercantile marine, coming to New Zealand as an officer in the Bucknall line. He entered the service of the Auckland Harbour Board twelve years ago as a junior in the harbour master's department. In 1910 Captain Hutehings was appointed assistant traffic manager, and towards the end of 1913 he became acting traffic manager, succeeding Captain Burgess as manager upon that officer's retirement. Captain Hutchings was recognised as a valuable officer, possessing both tact and courtesy. He is survived by a widow and one little girl. The funeral will leave his late residence, Wairere Road, Remuera, at 12.15 p.m. on Tuesday. A NONOGENARIAN'S DEATH. At the advanced age of 96 there passed away at Waikaraka, this week, one of the earliest pioneers of the North, in Mr. John Adam Edwards. He was well-known as a most competent boatbuilder, and was at one time sole proprietor of Limestone Island, till he sold out his interests to the New Zealand Portland Cement Co. For the past CO years he had resided at Waikaraka, on Whangarei Harbour, respected by all, who admired his genial nature. Up to his ninetieth year it was his custom to pull the 1G miles to Whangarei and back in a rowing boat, treating the feat lightly. Mrs. Edwards, his late wife, died ten years ago, over 90 years of age. The offspring consist of two sons, two daughters, ten grandchildren, and a number of great grandchildren, all of whom reside in the locality of Whangarei Harbour. MR. DAVID JONES, OF TAHERE. <Ey Telegraph.—Own Corresponded} WHANGAREI, Saturday. By the death of Mr. David Jones", of Tahere, which occurred to-day, the North has lost another of its early progressive men. The late Mr. Jones, who was cloee on SO years of age, was some thirty-five years ago manager of the Arch Hill Brick and Tile Co. " Coming to the North, he was mainly responsible as a builder and contractor, for the erection of the original Whangarei Hospital, Presbyterian Church, and the grandstand at Kensington racecourse. He also laid down the present bowling green. Till prevented by advancing years, he took a keen interest in public matters, having at various times held seats on the AVhangarei County Council. Harbour Board, and Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. He was held in respect by a wide circle. Mrs. Jones predeceased her husband eight years ago. The remaining family consist of four sons and three daughters. The eldest daughter was drowned with her husband and two children in the wreck of the Wairarapa.