OBITUARY

Franklin Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 104, 13 September 1943, Page 2

OBITUARY

MR FRANCIS MARTIN ROGERS WELL-KNOWN PUNI RESIDENT KEEN SPORTSMAN PASSES The death occurred at his homo at Puni last, night of one of the district’s most popular personalities in the person of Mr Francis Martin Rogers, in 1 1 is s!)th year. Born at Puni, Mr Rogers was the third son of the late Mr and Mrs John Rogers, pioneer settlers of this district. They took up land at Puni when it was covered with puriri and other native growth and by hard work they converted the farm into some of the best land in the district. Mr Francis Rogers was educated at the Puni and Pukekohe district high schools and upon leaving school went to work on his father’s farm, portion of which he later look over. As a young farmer Frank Rogers found time to take a keen interest in sport, lie was a prominent Rugby footballer whose standard of play was well above the average. He gained representative i.onours as a hack and his mercurial runs, frequently brought roars from the crowd. Tie took a keen interest in horse racing which was his popular pastime, while he was also an outstanding gunman and could hold his own among the clay pigeons. He was well-known and highly esteemed by a very wide cirle of friends who were shocked when news of his death was made known. Mr Rogers had not enjoyed robust health for nearly 20 years, hut despite Ins disabilities he continued to work on his farm at Puni. He took a practical interest in everything promoted for the welfare of Puni.

Mr Rogers is survived by Mrs Rogers (a daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Pulling, also pioneer settlers of Pukekohe). four sons —Trooper Res. F. Rogers (Middle East). Mr R. Rogers (Puni), L.A.G. .las. Rogers. R.X.Z.A.F. (somewhere in New Zealand). and Master M. P. Rogers, a student at the Pukekohe Technical High School—and one daughter—Miss .loan Rogers, of Puni. Surviving sisters and brothers of deceased are: — Mrs T. Sharkey fTe Aroha), Mrs .1. A. Graham (Puni), Mrs W. Crum (Mangalawhiri). Mrs .1. Maxwell (Pukekohe). Messrs C. .1. Rogers (Schoolhouse. Drury). T. .1. Rogers (Ohaupo). D. .1. Rogers (Paletonga) and V. A. Rogers (Ruawaro). The sympathy of their numerous friends is extended to Mrs Rogers and her family in their sad and irreparable loss.

The. burial lakes place, at the Roman Catholic cemetery. Pukekohe. tomorrow afternoon.