OBITUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 198, 23 August 1928, Page 22

OBITUARY.

CAPTAIN W. J. SOUTHGATE. BORN HERE IN 1848. Born in Auckland in a cottage on Smailes Point on August 12, 1848, Captain William James Southgate died on Monday at the age of 80 years. The greater portion of his life was spent in Auckland Province. He was apprenticed as a shipwright to the late Mr. John Darroch at Mahurangi. Later, with several mates, he tried gold mining at Thames. He was one of the partners in the Golden Anchor mine. While living at Thames, Captain Southgate was one ot those employed to try and keep the peace at the famous Gillies-Williamson contest for the office of Superintendent of the Province.

Returning to Auckland, he helped Mr. Niccoll to build many of the vessels so well known in the early days, notably the original Southern Cross, later renamed the Isobel. A son of the late Mr. John Southgate, the pioneer in the lime industry, north of Auckland, at Mahurangi, Captain Southgate had much to do with the industry at its beginning. Always a lover of the sea, the captain in his twenties entered his chosen vocation, that of a sailor. Those were the days of sailing craft, and in the Eleanor, the Saucy Kate, Altar and the Janet he took part in the coastal trade between M&ngonui and Tauranga. Later, when steam began to replace sail, he, as master of the Keripaha, the Kapanui and the Mahurangi, became well known in shipping circles in Auckland. From the Mahurangi he went into retirement just under 20 years ago, spending the remainder of his life in Auckland.

Captain Southgate leaves four daughters, Mrs. A. Whittington, Mrs. C. Goldsworthy, Mrs. J. M. Malcolm and Miss I. Southgate, all of whom live in Auckland. Mrs. A. Cook, his sole surviving sister, lives at Waiwera. MR. PETER W. MOULDEN. The death of Mr. Peter Whitefield Moulden on August 21, at his home, Eden Terrace, aged U!J years, removes a resdent of Auckland who came here as a child of two. and had resided in this city ever since. Mr. Moulden was a son oi the late Mr. Stephen Henry Moulden, who was for many years connected with the railway service at Auckland. The family came to New Zealand from London by the ship Matilda Wattenbach, and lived for many years in Cobden Street, Newfcon. Mr. Peter Moulden was educated at Newton Academy, and afterwards was a partner in the firm of Harkins and Moulden, plumbers and tinsmiths, Grey Street. The business was started in 1866, and is still carried on by sons of deceased. In his earlier years Mr. Moulden was a petty officer in the Auckland Naval Brigade, and won the

champion belt for rifle shooting. For the greater part of his life be was a member of various fire brigades. He started when little more than a boy. in the Eden Terrace Volunteer Brigade. In those days the men had to run to fires dragging the hose reel with them. He was foreman at Graftori Fire Brigade station when it was taken over by the city in th(s days of Superintendent Hughes. Up to- the last Mr. Moulden was a member of the Old Boys Fire Brigade Association, in which he had held office. With his father Mr. Moulden was one of the founders of the United Brothers Lodge of the National Order of Oddfellows. On the death of his father, Mr. Moulden was appointed to succeed hiiu as treasurer, which position he had held for many years, and was in that office at the time of his death.

Mrs. Moulden' survives her husband. There are the following children: Mrs. Margaret. Sharp, of Burnley Terrace; Messrs. Stephen Farquhar, William Peter, and Christian Victor Moulden, all residents of Auckland. The interment will he at Wan•»!-"ft-cemetery to-morrow.

MR. JAMES WEIR. A well-known resident of Auckland. Mr. James Weir, died yesterday at his house, Ponsonby Road, aged 61 years. Mr. Weir was in business in Karangahape Road for many , years, before he inoVed to Ponsonby Road. He belonged to the Masonic craft, and was a prominent member of the Ancient Order of Foresters. It ig as a member of the latter Order that he will be chiefly remembered. He joined the Order in 1894, and s'oon began to take an active part in its administration, .being elected assistant secretary in Court Nil Desperandum, and later secretary. He retired from the secretaryship last year after 18 years service. His sterling character and kindly nature endeared him to hi? fellow member*. Many- are those he helped in times of stress. In 1923 he became District Chief Ranger of tfie Auckland district. Failing health compelled Mr. Weir to relinquish active work in the Order, to whose prosperity he contributed very largely during many years. The funeral will leave Ponsonby Road for Hillsboro' to-morrow at 11.30. Deceased is survived by Mrs. Weir and one daughter.

MR. DONALD JOHN McLENNAN. Deep regret wae felt in Taum&runui when it became known that Mr. Donald John McLennan had died last night in Taumarunui Hospital. The late Mr. McLennan was a well-known farmer in> the, Taringamotu Valley, where he had been • since 1914, He was , forty-two years of age, and came originally from Halcombe. He was the second son of Mrs. John McLennan and the late Mr. Jolin McLennan. Deceased is survived by y° Un ß daughters and a son. The body was interred at Halcombe. •f , MRS. H. LONG. Mr*. Harry Long, of Te Aroha, died on Tuesday, after a long illness. She-had resided in Te Aroha for the past twenty years, and was well known and highly respected for her many charitable acts. She is survived by her husband and two daughter*. ... t