OBITUARY.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 12 July 1933, Page 4

OBITUARY.

MR EDMUND SPENCER. There passed away at Shannon on. Saturday one of the early settlers of the district in the person of Mr Edmund Spencer. The deceased gentleman, who had been seriously ill for some considerable time past, was in his 79th year, and went to Shannon ever fifty years ago. Mr 'Spencer was born in Wallace Street, Wellington, and received his training as a builder in that city. Upon arrival in Shannon he continued with his trade, besides undertaking farming pursuits. As an early settler, the deceased gentleman saw Shannon develop from a forest wilderness to its present si ifce. He was one. of the rapidly disappearing band of hardy pioneers, who ucipid to make the district what it is. Always of a kindly disposition, he was kaonJy interested in the younger generation and the advancement of education and athletics among boys and girls, cut I always Encouraged healthy outdoor sport. Fully intellectual to the last, Mr Sp.cncer was always interesting with reminiscences of early days in Wellington and the Manawatu. His father had fought through the Maori wars and consequently the early history of the Dominion was a favourite topic. The late Mr Spencer's family consist ed of three sons and .three daughters— Messrs Bertram, who died a few years ago, Edwin and Arthur, and Mesdame-j Richards, Exton and Booker. Besides the family and grandchildren Mr Spencer leaves a widow to mourn her loss. On Tuesday afternoon the mortal remains were laid to rest in the Shannon cemetery. A large number of friends and residents of the town and district paid their last respects to tho deceased." The service at the Anglican 'Church and at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. Mr Davies, of Levin. Many beautiful floral tributes of respect and esteem gave evidence of the sympathy of numerous friends. MR HUGH CAMPBELL PATTERSON The death occurred late on Saturday night in the iPalmerston North Hospital of Mr Hugh Campbell Patterson, at the age of 76 years. Deceased wasone ef Foxton's oldest and most highly respected citizens, and was popularly and well known throughout the district. He arrived in New Zealand with his parents in 1859, and, after qualifying as a chemist, commenced at Mahakipawa during tli6 gold digging days. In 1900, deceased removed to Rongotea, where he was married and seven years later took up his residence in Foxton, where he carried on business for fifteen years until he retired in 1923. He leaves a family of three daughters.