OBITUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 207, 2 September 1936, Page 16

OBITUARY.

MR. G. H. BANNISTER. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. Mr. George Harold Bannister, formerly auctioneer for Murray, Roberts and Co., Ltd., from which position he retired about a year ago, lias died. He was a member of the well-known Bannister family, which was connected with the "New Zealand Times." He is survived by his widow and one son, Mr. Ralph Bannister, solicitor, of Wairoa. MR. A. T. PALMER. The death has occurred at his late residence, 5, Ngaroma Road, Epsom, of Mr. Alfred Thomas Palmer, one of New Zealand's pioneers, in his ninetieth year. He arrived from England with his parents at the ;age of 11 years in 1858. A few years later he learned sheep farming on some of'the Canterbury runs, and was later attracted to the Thames goldfields. In 1808 he joined the Armed Constabulary and saw service for six years under Colonel Whitmore and Major Tuke, and was awarded the New Zealand war medal. He was stationed at New Plymouth, and later at White Cliffs, where the Rev? John Whitely was murdered. He was also a member of the expedition sent out to capture Te Kooti at Ngatapa, Poverty Bay, when the rebel and his followers escaped over a cliff by climbig down flax ropes. It was in 1574 that Mr. Palmer took up a block of 2000 acres of some of the finest land in the Patea district. Here he took his full share of public work, and was a very active and progressive settler. He was prominent in establishing the freezing industry, and was also chairman of the first school committee in the district. Mr. Palmer had been living in retirement at Epsom for tile last 25 years, and eight years ago celebrated his golden wedding. His wife (Miss M. E. Merry, of Christchurch) died 11 months ago. Seven members of the family survive him —Mr. Chas. Palmer (Ivoputaroa), Mr. Percy Palmer (Alton), Mr. Harold Palmer (Alton), Mrs. G. M. Howitt (Epsom), Mrs. Kent Hart (Newcastle, N.5.W.3, Mrs. Peter Carey (Epsom), and Miss A. Palmer (Epsom). MRS. HANNAH MARY SKINNER. Mrs. Hannah Mary Skinner has died at her residence, Stratford Street, Parnell. Mrs. Skinner had been in failing health for some time. She was the second daughter of the la>c Mr. and Mrs. Roger Kay, of Epsom, and married Mr. Henry James Skinner 38 years ago. Since then she has resided in Parnell, where she was widely known and highly respected, having always been closely associated with the social activities connected with St. John's Catholic Church. She is survived by her husband, one son, Mr. Athol H. G. Skinner, and one daughter, Miss Olga M. Skinner, and two grandchildren. MR. JAMES DUTHIE. (From Our Own Correspondent.) SUVA, August 27. Mr. James Duthie, of Nausori, one of the best known residents of the Rewa district, a good sport, and a very popular citizen, has died. He was 55 years old, and had been in the employment of the C.S.R. Company all his life. He leaves a widow, two sisters (Mrs. W. H. Chapman, of Nausori, and Mrs. A. Adams, of Queensland), and one brother, Mr. Henry Duthie, of Nausori. He was a son of the late Mrs. Duthie, who was a "lady bountiful and general friend in need" to the large population of whites who then resided in the Rewa district. She never refused to attend a case of sickness when nurses were few and.far between.