OBITUARY

Kaikoura Star, Volume LVI, Issue 93, 26 November 1936, Page 2

OBITUARY

MRS M. J. KERR 'Pho many friends of Mrs Mary Josephine Kerr will regret to learn that she [itissed away yesterday morning, at her residence, Mt. Road, at, the age of 74 years, after an illness of about two months. The deceased lady belonged to that line old band of pioneers associated with the early days of New Zealand, and was highly respected by all sections of the community. She was born in the South of Ireland, being the sister of M r Dennis Sweeney, and arrived in Now Zealand by the sailing ship Hydaspes. Shipmates were Messrs T. Boyd and F. Wayland. She came to Kaikoura at the age of seven years, where, she resided for 67 years. She was devoted to her husband, family, and the Catholic Church, and during her long period of residence endeared herself to a large circle of friends. She is survived by three sons — Frank, .flames, and John—and three daughters—Mrs A. McCallum, Mary (Seacliff e), and Kate (Christchurch) — to whom heartfelt sympathy will be extended in their sad bereavement. The funeral will take place tomorrow. REV. W. O. ROBB The death occurred at Blenheim on Frida,v evening of the Rev. William Officer Robb, at the age of 82 years, following a lengthy illness. The deceased gentleman was well-known and highly respected in Kaikoura, having at various times taken part in the services at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church and all will regret his passing. The late Air Robb retired in 1927 after 45 years’ service as minister of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Blenheim, dining which time he won the respect and affection of all classes of the community. He was born in Belfast and before coming to New Zealand lived in Queensland for some years. Later he worked in the Hawkes Bay district and he was inducted as minister of the church in Blenheim on November 8, 1882. For 52 years he was clerk of the Nelson-Marlborough Presbytery, a record which is unequalled in the Dominion anil probably in anv part of the world. He leaves his widow and -a family of three sons and four daughters— William (Christchurch), James and Gilbert (Blenheim), and Margaret, Kathleen, Flora, and Dorothy (all of Blenheim).