AN APPRECIATION

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 118, 12 February 1941, Page 9

AN APPRECIATION

Late Mr. H. H. Marshall, Marton (Contributed.) The death of Mr. Henry Halcombe Marshall, of Motu Kowhai, Marton, removed another of the pioneers whose names have become household words not only in the Rangitikei district, but also much farther afield. Born at Tutu Totara on October 27, 1863, Mr. Marshall was the youngest son of Major Marshall, who came to New Zealand in 1846, with the 65th Regiment. Educated at Christ’s College, Christchurch, Mr. Marshall returned to Rangitikei, in which district he spent the rest of his long and useful life. For some years after his school days, Mr. Marshall was engaged in helping develop his father’s Tutu Totara and Te Hekenga properties. In 1892 he married Miss Eleanor de Lys Swainson, a daughter of Mr. W. J. Swainson, and went to live at Sudbury, which farm he managed for Dr. G. E. Anson. At the same time he began the development of Motu Kowhai, a block of land, except for some small Native clearings, almost in its natural state and covered in parts with very heavy and lighter bush intermixed with swamps, flax, toi toi, and kowhai in great profusion. While clearing the country preparatory to sowing it down with English grasses, Mr. Marshall preserved patches of bush on various parts of the property from the bushman’s axe and the ravages of fire. Today these beautiful clumps of native trees bear silent testimony to the foresight and perseverance of their protector. Providing shade and shelter for man and beast, homes and food for the few remaining pigeons, scores of tuis, bellbirds, and many smaller members of the feathered tribe, these glorious sanctuaries are the admiration of all who see them.

Always a ‘lover and keen judge of horses, Mr. Marshall bred many excellent animals of the types he liked — useful cobs and thoroughbreds, and was recognized as a foremost authority on the pedigrees of blood horses, and the characteristics of their various strains.

Though he took no prominent part iu public affairs, Mr. Marshall was ever ready to help along any organization that he thought likely to benefit the district or community. He was a foundation member of the Marton Jockey Club, the Rangitikei Hunt Club, and the Marton Club, and for many years a member of the Polynesian Society and the Marton Agricultural and Pastoral Association.

Motu Kowhai hospitality has always been unbounded. A charming host, the possessor of a wonderful memory, and perhaps unequalled knowledge and experiences of early days iu the district, together with a keen sense of humour, Mr. Marshall entertained delightfully hosts of friends from far and near, to whom his home had become a favourite meeting place. From his youth a staunch churchman, Mr. Marshall’s religious convictions seemed reflected in his daily life by the loyalty, integrity, kindness and unselfishness which characterized all his actions, and made him honoured and loved by everyone with whom he came in contact.