OBITUARY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18153, 16 August 1924, Page 16

OBITUARY.

EX-CONSTABLE J. GILLESPIE. News was received in Christchurch yesterday of the death at Palmerston North, on Thursday. night, of ex-Con-stable J. Gillespie, who had, prior to his retirement a few years back, been connected with'the New Zealand police force for forty years. Mr. Gillespie was in ; charge of police affairs for many years at Foxton, while his last station was Temuka. On leaving the latter town Mr Gillespie was entertained by the residents, and made the recipient of many valuable presents as a token of their appreciation of him as an officer of the law and a citizen. On leaving Temuka Mr Gillespie went on to his farm property at Kairanga, which he farmed with considerable success. He was a lover of the thoroughbred, and bred Master Strowan, a noted steeplechaser, and Rowan, another useful hurdler, while at present several fine young blood stock are running out on his property. Mrs Gillespie predeceased her husband a few months back. The late Mr Gillespie, who had just passed his seventieth year, is survived by a grown-up family.

MR WILLIAM ADAMS. Bv the passing of Mr William Adams, at the age of So years, the Southbridge district loses one of its oldest residents. For well over half a century the late Mr Adams was a familiar figure in the life of the district and was much liked by a very wide circle of friends.

Born in County Down, Ireland, the late Mr Adams came to New Zealand in the sailing ship Mystery, landing at Lyttelton in 1862. Not long after his arrival he took up his residence in the Squthbridge district, and was for a time engaged at sod-fencing and other pioneering work. In course of time he took up land about two miles from the Southbridge township, where, he lived up to the time of his death, although he retired from active farmftig about ten years ago, when the property was taken over by his son, Mr James Adams. In his younger days the late Mr Adams was an enthusiastic sportsman and bred several thoroughbreds of note.

The late Mr Adams leaves a family of live sons and three daughters, Mrs Adams halving predeceased her husband .by about 20 years. Tlie sons axe: Messrs James Adams (Southbridge), William Adams, George Adams (Methven), David Adams (Highbank), and John A.dams (Lyndhurst). The daughters are Mesdames James T?itcTiie (Southbridge), Murphy (Makikihi), and Wilson (Clarkville). ' The late Mr Adams is also survived by a sister, Mrs Moorhead, of Southbridge. A large and verv representative gathering attended the funeral, including old friends from as far afield as Ashburtdrf County, showing the esteem in which the late pioneer was held. The Bev. T G Butler, minister of the Southbridge Presbyterian Charge, conducted the service.