A PIONEER PASSES

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 23, 26 July 1929, Page 13

A PIONEER PASSES

/* ■ . ,(By Telesranh.) (Special to "The Evening Post.")

MASTEBTON, This Day. A noteworthy link with the pioneering past of the Wairarapa is broken with the death of Mrs. Hugh H. Bootham, which occurred at her reeideneo, Danum, Mas tor ton, yesterday afternoon. For many years tho late' Mrs. Bcctham had ungrudgingly given time and effort to many activities on belialf of tho community, and her death will be regretted sincerely by a wido circle of friends by whom she was regarded with great respect. Born on 13th March, 1860, Mrs. Beotham was the third daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Robert Bid will, of Pihautea. Mr. Bidwill was tho first pioneer to actually settle in the Wairarapa. Mrs. Beotham was married in 1879 to tho late Mr. Hugh 11. Bcctham, of Brance--pcth, who died in 1023. Tho wholo of her married life was spent at Brancepcth. They lived an admirably useful and energetic life, and took .1 keen and active interest in tho work of all local societies for tho good of the community. During nearly half a century she devoted herself to activities of this kind with unfailing sympathy and energy, and in tho spirit of ono who was determined that all that she did should bo done thoroughly. To tbo last Mrs. Beetham was keenly interested in tho work of tho Plunket Society, the Navy League, the women's division of the Farmers' Union, the Women's National Efficiency Leaguo (more recently converted into the Women's National Welfaro League), and also the British and Foreign Biblo Society. Mrs. Beetham was an earnest church wu-ker, and was ever ready to assist in charitable and other activities. She was, in addition, a valued member of tho House Committee of the Sedgley Home, and a representative on tho Anglican Boys' Committee in Wellington. One of the late Mrs. Beetham's great interests was horticulture. Jii her beautiful home at Brancopeth sfte was able to indulgo to tho full in the course of her busy and useful life her love for plants and flowers. She had been busy Jj tho last in laying out and beautifying her new garden at Danum. Mrs. Beetham is survived by two sons and two daughters. These aro Messrs. Ralph Beetham (Branccpcth) and Orcn H. Beetham (Morland), Mrs. Bethcll (Pahau Pastures) and Mrs. Broglie (San Francisco). Mr. William E. Bidwill, of Rotofawai, is a brother, and Mrs. Robert Rhodes, Timaru, a sister.