OBITUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 87, 14 April 1941, Page 4

OBITUARY.

MR. J. C. ROWLEY.

The death occurred at Tukapuna vesterday of Mr. John C. Rowley in" his ninety-seventh year. Mr. Rowley, who formerly was well known in the painting trade in Auckland and in Freemasonly. was a descendant of William Rowley, forester of the Royal Forest of Need wood in Staffordshire, and the homestead of the land granted to him ill 1620 is still standing in the village. Mr. Rowley had a very varied career and followed the painting trade ill four countries. In ISO 1 he decided to try his fortune in London, where he was a spectator of the great fire in Tooley Street. After working in all parts of England he came to New Zealand in 1573 in the vessel Wild Duck. Later he travelled in Australia and South Africa before returning to New Zealand and settling at Devonport in 1881. Six years later he went to Canada for about three years, returning to become a master painter at Auckland.

Retiring in 1902 he lived a.t Howiok and Otahuhu. and in 1918 settled at Tflkapuna. Mrs. Rowley died in 1927. Mr. Rowley retained a remarkably keen memory for dates and events "in his long life, and enjoyed good health and was active and vigorous when over 90 years of age.