OBITUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 245, 15 October 1926, Page 9

OBITUARY.

MR. JOHN FREDERICK SANDS. After a long and painful illness, Mr. John Frederick Sands passed peacefully to rest at his residence in Kitchener Street, Takapuna, last Friday. A genial and kindly man, he was well liked by a wide circle of friends. He was the youngest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Sands, of Maungakaramea, Whangarei. In his boyhood he was engaged in farming pursuits with his father. Hβ was a keen athlete, being a champion at throwing the heavy weight. Engaging in -road contracting after his father's death, he became well known as one of the best contractors in the North Island. For the past five years he has carried on his business at Takapuna under the style of the Milford Scoria Pit. He is survived by Mrs. Sands. MR. ALBERT MARTIN. A well-known figure in Auckland football and athletic circles, Mr. Albert ("Towny") Martin, passed to his rest on Thursday, at the age of 00. About 1897, when the boom was at its height, Mr. Martin was engaged at the Waitekauri goldflelds. He took a prominent part in the football affairs of that district. Later, when he- removed to Auckland, he became identified with the old Waitemata Swimming Club, and the old City Rugby Football Club. Until recent years his vehicle advertising Rugby football matches was a familiar sight in Queen St. Mr. Martin is survived by a wife and family. The funeral took place at Hillsboro' Cemetery yesterday, when representatives of the Auckland Rugby Union and other athletic sports bodies attended. ivIRS. SEERING H. MATTHEWS. The death of Mrs. Seering H. Matthews, which occurred at her residence, Waitemata Street, Ponsonby, yesterday, removed another, of the old colonists. She was the eldest daughter of Mr. Edward Wall, and her mother was a daughter of the late Mr. William Gorrie. Mrs. Matthews was born at the Bay of Islands on April 6, 1842. During Heke's War she left for England and America, returning to New Zealand about 1846. On arrival at Auckland her father set up a shipwright business on the foreshore at the foot of Fort Britomart. Here the family resided for some years. Mrs. Matthews was educated at the Auckland Academy, under her uncle, the Rev. J. Gorrie. On August 21, 1862, she was married by the Rev. Thomas Hamer. Mrs. Matthews, who was 84 years of age, is survived by four sons and four daughters. WARRANT OFFICER LONGHURST. The death took place yesterday at the Auckland Hospital of Warrant Officer William Thomas Adair Longlmrst, schoolmaster on the H.M.s. Philomel, at the aga of 32 years. Deceased, who was educated at Wellington College and Wellington University, was a popular officer on the training ship at Devonport, and his death at such an early age is to be deplored. Hβ is survived by a widow and three young children. The funeral, with naval honours, will take place to-mor-row morning at Waikumete cemetery. MR. JOHN YOUNG. MAIN BODY VETERAX. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WHANGAREI, this day. Mr. John Young, formerly a Hilcu rangi miner, and a well-known local identity, aged 59, died yesterday. Deceased, who was a member of the main body of the N.Z.E.F., suffered a paralytic stroke owing to war disability. A few days ago he was admitted to the hospital, where he never regained consciousness.