MR. WM. NATHAN

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 23, 28 January 1933, Page 15

MR. WM. NATHAN

(Special to "The Evening Post.")

PALMERSTON X., 27th January The last of a very well-known Wanganui family, Mr. William Nathan, passed away at hia residence in Palmerston North early -yesterday morning. Mr. Nathan, who was in his eightieth year, was the youngest son of Mr. Henry, Nathan,, of Wanganui, the head of a family closely connected with the early development and settlement of that town, and for a period Mayor of the town. '

Mr. William Nathan was bom in Wanganui in 1854 and was one of the first pupils to attend the Collegiate School. New Zealand was then in the throes of the Maori War, and this adventurous, youth, at the age of 15 years, joined his brothers in the famous Forest Rangers: and saw much active (service. Later he enlisted with' the Armed Constabulary and served with this historic corps ;for a considerable period. The fighting with the Maoris at an end, Mr. Nathan and three of his brothers sefc up as- road contractors, and carried out important, work in the Manawatu, Wanganui, and other West Coast districts. To acquire further experience in constructional work, he went to Australia and helped the Victorian Government in building its many miles of railways. He came back to New Zealand in 1893 as road engineer* to the New Zealand Government. His first field of activity was in the Taranaki district. Mr. Nathan's ability soon became recognised, and it Was not long before he was appointed assistant road engineer for the Wellington Province, with headquarters at Pahiatua. At the outbreak of the Great War, Mr. Nathan shifted to Wellington and directed operations from that centre. In 1920 he Tetired, but later he was recalled for a period and was \n charge• of the Gisborne district.

He is' survived by a widow and a family of four. Mrs. A. Gilnjour (Wellington), Mrs. E. Whitehead. (PaimerBton. North), and Miaß Vera Nathan (Wellington) are, daughters, and,;Mr; Brian. Nathan, of Palmerston Northj is a son. ■ ; ": .■.,-".. 1.-i