OBITUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 134, 8 June 1934, Page 3

OBITUARY.

MR. WILLIAM H. GEAKE. An old resident of the Waikato, Mr. William Henry Geake, died 011 June 7, aged 72. For a long period he worked on the New Zealand Land Association's estate at Woodlands. That was over half a century ago. He worked at Tauwhare cheese factory, and then took up a farm at Gordonton 40 years ago retiring in 1000. Eight years ago Mr. Geake went to Paiha. He its survived by .Mrs. Geake.

MISS E. NAPIER.

A resident of Hamilton for a quarter of a century, Miss Elizabeth Napier has died at the age of 74 years. She was a daughter of Mr. Jamtis Napier, a metallurgist, and came to New Zealand with her parents 40 years ago. The family lived 011 Queen Charlotte Sounds, also at Waihi, Karangahake and Thames, Twenty-five years ago Miss Napier went to live with her sister at Hamilton. MR. WILLIAM J. REES. The death took place 011 June 7 at the home of his daughter, Mrs. L. Mallabond, of Parua Bay, Whangarci, of a very old resident of Auckland, Mr. William Joseph Rees at the age of 87 years. Mr. Rees was born in Tasmania, and came to Auckland when a child. Later, when 14, he joined the staff of Archibald Clark and Sons, Ltd., and retired in 1911 after 50 years' service, having been for a long period secretary to the company.

Mr. Rees was a prominent member of the Order of Freemasons, ending as Provincial Grand Master of the Irish Constitution, and only retiring a few years ago. He was initiated in Lodge United Service is 1808, then affiliated with Lodge Ara, of which he became Master in 1574. He was also a foundation member of Lodge Prince of Wales, E.C., and later filled the chairs of the

Royal Arch Mark Lodge and the Rose Croix (1872-1877). While absent from the Colony in the latter year, Mr. Rees was appointed Provincial Grand Secretary, then became Provincial Grand Treasurer. Failing health compelled him to retire from oflice, but he resumed his connection a few years later. Mr. Rees had many interests. He was a vice-president of the Old Colonists' Association, was for many years choir master at St. James' Presbyterian Church, and in later times an oflice bearer in St. Stephen's Church, Jervois Road. He was also a keen bowler, as a member of the Ponsonby club. The following children survive:— Messrs. Wynn Rees, Melbourne, W. M. Rees, Taumarunui, and L. Rees, Warkworth; Mesdames A. Manning, Hamilton, C. 11. Blundell, New Plymouth, .L. Mallabond, Parua Bay, and J. R. Self, Heme Bay. There are 23 grandchildren and six great-grand children.

MR. J. A. ADAMS.

The death occurred last night of an early Waikato 6ettler, Mr. James Arthur Adams, of Princes Street, Northcote, at the age of 80. Born at Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh, Ireland, the second son of Mr. William Adams, he came to New Zealand at the age of 17 in the ship Gala, and after living for a time at Hamilton, moved to Waiuku, where he established a- business. As a young man he saw service in the 4th Waikato Regiment and later in the Waiuku Volunteer Cavalry. In 1872 he married, at Awhitu, Mies Emma Frances Garland, who arrived in New Zealand with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Garland, from Shropshire, in 1860. Since 1014 Mr. Adams had been settled with his family at Northcote, where he and Mrs. Adams celebrated their golden wedding two years ago. He was a keen bowler, and a member*of the Auckland Bowling Club. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and three sons. • Another son lost his life in the Great War.

MR. MARTIN L. WILKINS.

The death occurred suddenly soon after midnight of Mr. Martin Llewellyn Wilkins, of Takapuna. He was a public accountant and auditor, and managing director of the Colonial Mercantile Association.

The late Mr. Wilkins, who came to Auckland from Christcliurch in 1913, was keenly interested in civic affairs, and was elected to the Takapuna Borough Council in 1927. He was reelected again at the last election. He was associated with movements for the welfare of the youth of the district, and when the North Shore Golf Club was formed he accepted the position as honorary treasurer, which he held until his death. Mr. Wilkins was born and educated at Papanui, Christchurch. He is survived by his widow.

MR. W. A. CARTER, J.P.

By the death of Mr. William Albert Carter at the Auckland Hospital, the King Country has lost one of its pioneer settlers. Born in 1860 at Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England. Mr. Carter at the age of nine came to New Zealand with his parents, who settled at Waddington, Canterbury. After some time the family removed to Woodville, where they lived for 18 years. From Woodville in March, 1900, Mr. Carter journeyed to Wellington in order to enlist with the otli Xew Zealand Regiment for service in the second Boer' War. In South Africa he was attached for a time to Lord Roberts' "horse" as dispatch bearer, and in this capacity saw a good deal of active service, and j travelled over 10,000 miles. On the occupation of Mafeking in August, 1900, Sergeant Carter was placed in command of the Armed Horse Guard. Later lie saw service as commander of the guard of the Hawarden Castle, which was transporting prisoners of war to India. His personal diary of the campaign, kept from the date of his departure from Wellington in 1900 until his return in 1902, and a Mafeking siege note, are amongst the most prized possessions of his family.

In 1904 Mr. Carter married Miss Jeanie Taylor, eldest daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. A. Taylor, of Waverley, and took up residence in the newlyopened Olmra district. Keenly interested in Parliamentary and local body politics, Mr. Carter was a county councillor and school committee chairman for a number of years in the Mangapapa (later called Otangiwai) district. In 1006 he was appointed a justice of the peace. Fourteen years ago Mr. Carter left his sheep station at Otangiwai, and, after spending three years in Matakohe, North Auckland, brougnt his family to Auckland.

He is survived by his widow, daughter and five eons, all of whom are resident in Mount Eden.