OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 22, 20 October 1944, Page 4

OBITUARY

Mr. T. Russell The death occurred suddenly at his residence in Whiteman’s Valley, Upper Hutt, of Mr. Thomas Russell, who was born at Lower Hutt in 1871. Mr. Russell conics of a well-known pioneering family. He was closely conpccted with tlie first resident clergyman of the Church of England Missionary Society in New Zealand, Rev. J. G. Butler, who arrived in New Zealand in 1818, where he did missionary work among the Natives. In 1892 Mr. Russell purchased bush land at Whiteman's Valley, where he had farmed ever since. At the time of bis death, he was a partner in the firm of T. Russell and Sons, Ltd., Upper Hutt, and was one of the oldest members of the Wellington Trotting Club. He is survived by two sons, Messrs. E. E. and L. T. Russell, Upper Hutt, and one daughter, Mrs. J. Bond, Carterton, Mrs. Ann Robbie Mrs. Ann Robbie, widow of the late Mr. Charles Edward Robbie, who died recently, was born at Greymouth 69 years ago, and was the eldest daughter of the late Mr. ami Mrs. Hugh McLauchlan. After spending her childhood in Christchurch and moving to Auckland ill her early twenties to be governess to the family of the into Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Friedlander. Mrs. Robbie, who wus a certificated teacher, went to I’ongaroa in 1898. She was the possessor of a sweet soprano voice, having sung in the choirs of Anglican churclics in Christchurch and Auckland, and was a pianist of some'note, her piano being the first, to be brought info (he I’ongaron district.

After her marriage to the late Mr. C. E. Robbie in 1902, Mrs. Robbie was the first woman in the I’uketoi Road, Hauntii. and her home was the centre of hospitality to the other settlers of the district. Keenly interested in all the district’s activities. Mrs. Robbie wps instrumental in raising funds for the erection of the Tiraumea Hall and was a foundation member of the Tiraumea W.D.F.U. and Red Cross, and a regular iittendcr at Ibo church services. A memorial service wus conducted by tlie Rev. T. V. Pearson, vicar of I’ongaron. She is survived liy one sister. Mrs. A. E. Burrell (Palmerston North), a brother, Mr. Hugh MeLauehlan (Greyluoiith), one son and one daughte.r-