OBITUARY.

Evening Star, Issue 7750, 23 October 1888, Page 2

OBITUARY.

Tho decease of another of our old residents is recorded in our columns to-day. After a residence of over thirty-six years in Otago, Mrs John Gillies peacefully and without n struggle pasied away, and leaves a void in hearts and homes which never again will he filled. Born at Glasgow, Scotland, in April, 1802, and tracing a lineage on her father’s side from tho French Huguenots (of whom her grandfather was one), from whom she inherited a heroic spirit, she did not hesitate, at the mature age of fifty years, to leave her home, friends, and associations, and with her husband aud family give their aid in founding a new home and country. Arriving in the province in September, 1852, undaunted by the difficulties which presented themselves and the almost total absence of all the comforts left behind, she willingly and cheerfully put her hand to labor and assist, and by individual effort do her best to realise the ideal which had presented itself to her view. As time passed on she saw her wishes in a great measure realised. Homo comforts increased, new and valued friends and acquaintances were formed around her, and a large population comfortably settled, when there was enough and to spare for all. During the seventeen years of her widowhood her habits of life were retiring, but her aid was willingly given when required, and in acts of private benevolence her liberality was widely known. Mrs Gillies, whose maiden name was Isabella Lillie, was married in Glasgow in 1826, and was the mother of six sons and three daughters, of whom seven are still alive, and are residents in various parts of New Zealand and New South Wales, occupying positions of more or less responsibility and influence. Her grandchildren alive number fifty-two, and great-grand-children eleven. On account of the funeral of the late Mrs Gillies taking place on Thursday, the usual monthly meeting of the Harbor Board will be postponed till the following day, at the usual hour.