DEATHS OF OLD COLONISTS.

Press, Volume XLVIL, Issue 7718, 25 November 1890, Page 6

DEATHS OF OLD COLONISTS.

, [PBBSB ASSOCIATION TELBCHIAM.] WANGANITI, November 24Mr Symes, senior, ■of Waverley, died this morning at Kai Iwi. He was one of the earliest New Plymouth settlers; He leaves a numerous family of soas, who hold prominent positions in the local bodies along the coast, ' /■» JLftother, old and respected colonist, in the person of Mrs ifiliza Figham, relict, of the late Williim Higham, passed away on. Sunday,' at her residence, Papanui. Mrs Higham arrived in one of, the first four ships, the Creasy, and shortly after arrival her' late husband took up hie residence at Papanui, where most of the family have resided ever since. Like all the early colonists, Mr and Mrs Higham had their full share of the trials and troubles of the Canterbury pioneers, but by dint" of energy and. perseverance overcame all difficulties, and succeeded in building up a comfortable home around them. The old lady was sixty-four years of age at the time of her decease, and, by her kindly qualities and womanly bearing, had gained for . herself the' love and respect of all who\eere acquainted with her. She leaves a grown-up tamiiy, consisting of .fire sons, and four daughters, most.of whom are settled in the Papanui district. Her loss is deeply regretted, more especially by the residents in the district with -whomi she has been conuected for such a number of years. . , ;.

Qn; Saturday morning Mr John Sunckell died very suddenly at his residence in Akaroa. He had been ailing for some , time. He was. about as usual. on Friday, but on the following morning was found dead in bed. He was an old and respected settler, having arrived in 18£1. He was in his seventy-sixth year, and leaves a widow, four sons, and seven daughters. In the early days he was an active member of the Road Board; and always took a great interest in matters connected with the Peninsula. ~ . '