THE LATE MRS M.E. DAWSON.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18006, 25 February 1924, Page 2

THE LATE MRS M.E. DAWSON.

One of New Zealand's earliest colonists, Mrs Mary Elizabeth Dawson, relict of tlio lato Mr Andrew Dawson, died at Waterton, Ashburton, on Friday morning. Mra Dawson, who was 91 years of age, was very well known throughout tho oounty, alio having resided at Waterton for close on (50 years. Born in England, Mrs Dawson was brought to New Zealand by her parents, the late Mr and Mrs Prebble, of Prebblcton, in 1840. She married Mr Andrew Dawson, and a home wis mado at Waterton, a district then more or less a swampy stretch, covered with flax and tussock. Mr Dawson had also landed in New Zealand prior to tho arrival at Lyttelton of tho famous first four ships. It is interesting to mention that prior to coming to tho South Island Mrs Dawson spent a little time in Petone, Wellington, where she was one of the first white girls to como to that settlement. Mrs Dawson led a very active life, and it waa only during tho past year or two that her health was indifferent. She took to her bed only a week ago, and was in complete possession of her faculties almost to the last. Mrs Dawson was always a hard worker in her home for tho Anglican Church, and kept herself wellinformed as to daily happenings at home and abroad. An outstanding feature of Mrs Dawson's life was her extraordinary fondness of trees, and it is to this fact that many of tho plantations in the Waterton district owe their existence. Sho never lost an opportunity to impress upon her children tho valuo of trees, and the family can now point to many fine specimens which they planted at their mother's,instigation. Mrs Dawson was of a vefy generous disposition, and no worthy cause went short of her assistance. _ In the early days when medical aid was scarce and. means of communication were few and difficult, Mrs Dawson proved herself a wonderful aid to the sick. Her assistance and knowledge were always keenly sought and appreciated. Mrs Dawson was typical of the women who faced the many trials and tribulations of pioneering in New Zealand There arc three sons and three daughters still living. The sons are Dr. Dawson (Dannevirke), Mr Charles Dawson and Mr Walter Dawson, of Waterton. The daughters are Mrs E. Barr (Yaldhurst), Mrs W. McLauchlan (Waterton) and Mrs A. Patterson (Waterton). Mrs Damson's husband predeceased her some 15 years ago. The interment took place at Waterton yesterday.