OBITUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 190, 14 August 1933, Page 3

OBITUARY.

MRS. M. E. HOOPER. PIOXEER AUCKLAND SETTLER. A link with the early days of Auckland was severed by the death of Mrs. M. E. Hooper, of No. 2,'Pukenui Road, Epsom, whose funeral took place yesterday afternoon. She had readied the great age of over 9.3 years, having been born at Leamington, Warwickshire, on December 21, 1537, only six months after the accession of the late Queen Victoria. Her parents were the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Allen, who came to Auckland with their family in 1861. Mr. Allen gave the name to the property at Mount Albert called Allendale, extending from Mount Albert Road to Richardson Road, which he conducted as a mixed farm, breeding horses, cattle and

sheep, until it was subdivided for private residences, when he died in 1891. Mrs. Hotpcr was their second daughter, and was married in 1865 to the late Dr. R. R. Hooper, Government Native Medical Officer for the Waipa district, where she had gone as a teacher iri the mission school. Until quite recently she retained a remarkable faculty for recalling the troublous incidents connected with the Maori wars, but what usually most interested her many friends was a recital of some of her experiences during the Tarawera eruption of ISB6. Dr. Hooper was then at Galatea, on the other side of Tarawera, and he and -his wife endured a terrible journey to safety at Kotorua, crossing open chasms and finding their way through country in which the roads-were in many cases completely obliterated by ashes and cinders. The strain was too great for Dr. Hooper, and he died four months afterwards, -Airs. Hooper retiring to Auckland.

Hor father having been one of the oldest members of the Pitt Street Church, and previously of the old High Street Church, Mrs. Hooper retained her membership, and attended until prevented by failing health, and she also enjoyed for many years the Old Colonists' annual reunions. She is survived by three sons, besides grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

MR. WILLIAM J. PRIEST.

A very old colonist, Mr. William James Priest, of Surrey Street, Grey Lynn, died on August 12, aged 72. Born in Capetown, Mr. Priest came to Xew Zealand with his parents in ISO 4, the family first settling at Waiuku. During 20 years Mr. Priest was licensee respectively of the Tuakau, Newton and Albion Hotels, He next went farming at Te Aroha, then at Hauraki Plains. Afterwards Mr. Priest was a land agent in Auckland, retiring some years ago. He was keenly interested in racing, and belonged to a number of clubs. For over 40 years he was a member of the Fountain of Friendship Lodge. The deceased and Mrs. Priest were active members of St. Joseph's Parish, Grey Lynn, and took a keen part in all work pertaining to the parish. Mr. Priest was married in 1885. He is survived by Mrs. Priest and the following children: Messrs. W. H. and C. N. Priest, Mcsdames Hedlu'nd, Deed, Huston, Dickey, Beer and Turdie. >

MR. J. H. MAXWELL.

A well-known resident of Auckland for a long period, Mr. James Henry Maxwell, of Wood Street, died on August 13, aged 06 years. Mr. Maxwell was for 31 years building inspector for the Auckland City Council, from which position he retired in May, 1931. As a young man he was a leading oarsman, and belonged to the West End Rowing Club, the Victoria Cruising Club and the Ponsonby Bowling Club. He was also a member of the Orphans' Club.

Mr. Maxwell was born at Waipu, educated at Ponsonby Public School, and later learned the trade of carpenter, then joined the staff of the Auckland City Council, finally being appointed inspector of buildings. Mr. Maxwell took a keen interest in the development of Auckland. As far back as 1026 he suggested the formation of a civic square at the junction of Symonds Street and Karangahape Road. He was the first to suggest the formation of Aiizac Avenue as an eastern outlet for the city, and drew plans to outline his scheme, which were submitted to the council. That was as far back as 15 years ago. At the time of the retirement of Mr. Maxwell the council credited him with the constructive interest he had ever displayed in the future of the city. Mr. Maxwell is survived by his wife. Messrs. Thomas and William Maxwell, of Mount Albert, are brothers, and Mrs. T. Sturgeon, of Ellerslie, a sister. MRS. LUCY STEPHENS.

A resident of Xew Zealand for 59 years, Mrs. Lucy Stephens, died on August 12, at the age of 88 years. Her home latterly had been in Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn. She arrived in New Zealand with her husband, the late Mr. Andrew Stephens, in 1574, in the ship Waitangi. They then had four children. Mrs. Stephens is survived by ten children, while her grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and great-great-grand-children number over 120.

MR. F. J. PINNY.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Saturday. The death occurred yesterday of llr. Frederick James Pinny, founder and principal of the firm of F. J. Pinny, Ltd. He was born at Motueka 76 years ago and spent his early years on a farm. Some 06 years ago he came to Wellington, where he followed his trade as a builder for some years. Later he entered the musical line of business and by degrees built up one of the largest musical instrument businesses in the city. He is survived by two daughters, and two sons. His wife predeceased him about 18 years ago.

In his earlier years Mr. Pinny was in the Volunteer Artillery, and won several trophies for shooting. He was an enthusiastic member of the Baptist Church.