MBS. E. WILLIS.

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 29, 3 February 1934, Page 8

MBS. E. WILLIS.

The death has just occurred of a very well-known lady, Mrs. Eliza. Willis, who lived in the Bangitikei district for h great many years. Mrs. Willis was in her 98th year, and was one of the elder daughters of the late Mr. Daniel Eiddiford, a pioneer resident who came to Xcw Zealand in 1840. lie took up the tract of country in the Orongorongos, and lived there for many years, and it is still the property of the family. Later, they came round to the Lower Hutt, and built a house called Woburn, close to tlic present home of Mr. A rivian Biddiford. Mrs. Willis was a sister of the late Mr. E. J. Eiddiford. In tho early 70 's she went to Melbourne, and there met aucl married Major William Jnrvis Willis, who came out with the' British forces during tho Maori wars. He bought a property at Greatford, Bangitikei, called Woodendean, which was sold after his . death some 40 years ago, part being bought by a son of Mrs. Willis, and part by the late Major W. }?. G. Levin. Mrs. Willis lived there till three years ago when she built a homo at Marton.

Mrs. Willis had a very delightful personality, and had a large circle of friends who will miss her greatly. She was keenly interested in gardening, and a well-known and popular rose was named after her. She was of a most kindly disposition and generously supported charities. There are three surviving sons—Dr. W. F. Willis, now practising in London, and .Messrs. D. J. and T. B. Willis, who are fanning on the Woodendean property. Of the daughters one is Miss Letitia Mary Willis. Another daughter Mrs! Duncan Menzies, died some years ago. A sister is Mrs. Hewitt, of^ Palmerston North. There are 17 grandchildren.