OBITUARY

Hutt News, Volume 21, Issue 2, 12 June 1946, Page 5

OBITUARY

JANET MACK AY TOOMATH The death on June 6th of Mrs. Janet Mack ay Toomath, wife of Mr. William Toomath, Williams Grove, Lower Hutt, removes yet another of that gallant band of early colonists who bind past Wellington with the present. Mrs. Toomath was the direct descendant of John Evans, who arrived in the "Adelaide" on March 7. 1840, her mother being Eliza Anne Evans, one of a large family whose business activities are still conti.Hied in Wellington. Mrs. ,Toomath'B lather, Archibald Whitel'ord, who hailed from Glasgow, was a wellknown builder in Wellington in the early days; he built the Governor's residence, now part of Parliament Buildings. On August. 13 th, 1889, Janet Mackay Whiteford became the bride of William Toomath, who arrived at Lyttelton in the "Cressy" in 1860 with the Canterbury Pilgrims. At Christchurch he opened a school which later became Canterbury College. Their wedding took place at St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral, the Rev. John Still officiating. Nearly seven years ago Mr. and Mrs. W. Toomath celebrated their golden wedding with a family gathering at their home in Lower Hutt. Though the Wife of a man with many public interests, Mrs. Toomath found lier greatest interest in her- home. With her family grown-up Mrs Toomath enlarged her interest to include membership of St. James's Guild and the Mothers' Union. Left to mourn their loss are her husband, two sons (Messrs E. A., and R. W. Toomath), three daughter (Mrs. W. H. Philips, and Misses E. G. and A. B. Toomath), ten grand children and five great grandchildren, z The funeral service, which was conducted by Rev. A. Charles and Rev. J. C. Davies, took place at St. Augustine's Church, Petone, on Saturday morning. MISS EDITH P. TENNENT The death occurred at her residence, Sherwood Street, Lower Hutt, last week, of Miss Edith Penelope Tennent, M.8.E., aged 65 years. Miss Tennent who was formerly matron of the Dunedin Hospital, took over the Director-Generalship of the Red Cross V.A.D., and held the position for a number of years. Under her direction and wise leadership the Red Cross organisation was consolidated and expanded. She had the responsibility of organising the V.A.D. personnel in connection with the first call-up for service overseas. The late Miss Tennent was held in the highest esteem, and her dea;h has created in all members of the Red Cross a very deep sense of loss. ■She is survived by her two sisters, Mrs. Cleghorn, of Masterton, and Miss Sybil Tennent, of Lower Hutt.