OBITUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 69, 22 March 1928, Page 5

OBITUARY.

Maori chieftain.

An aged and highly respected Maori chief, Mr. Pikikotuku Te Huia, died at his residence, "Whiritoa," Taumanmui, early on Wednesday morning. He was about 75 years of age, and a very old resident of Taumarunui. The deceased had been in failing health during the past six months. He is survived by his widow and a number of grandchildren. The body was removed to the Maori pa, where a tangi will be held.

MR. A. If. JOWITT.

A well-known resident of Auckland, Mr. Alfred Norton Jowitt, of "The Retreat,' Eden Terrace, New North Road, died yesterday, aged 88 years. Born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, Mr. Jowitt went to sea as a lad of eighteen on the clipper Assyrian in the China trade. He came to New Zealand on the ship Nimrod in 1860, and made a second voyage a year later to Auckland in the Ida Zeigler. Just about that time gold was discovered in Otago, so Mr. Jowitt with

four others left his ship and sailed in a schooner in order to get to Gabriel's Gully. Afterwards Mr. Jowitt worked on a sheep farm ".ear Balchitha, and in 1867 he married a daughter of Mr. Adam King, of Otago. Later Mr. Jowitt bought a farm of 400 acres in the South Molvneaux district, where he helped to build the first day school and Sunday school at Ahuriri. It was constructed of wattle and clay daub. Mr. Jowitt held many public positions, including that of chairman of the South Molyneaux Road Board and of the Clutha County Council. He entered into partnership in a flourmill, and when that was burned down came to Auckland, where he opened business as a grain and produce merchant, from which he retired some years ago. Mr. Jowitt joined St. David's Presbyterian Church, Khvber Pass, in 1887, became an elder two years later, and has filled the position of 6ession clerk for the past ten vears.

Mr. Jowitt was a great chess player, and some years ago held the honour of being the champion of Auckland.