OBITUARY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16550, 14 May 1914, Page 6

OBITUARY.

GEORGE CONSTANCE. 4 well-known identity of the Ellesmere district passed away at boutnbridge- on Saturday, in the person of Mr Georgio Constantino iomo, better known as Mr George Constance. Although ho had reached the advanced age of eighty-eight years, Mr tonstance enjoyed good health until quite recently. He was always bright and cheery, and enjoyed the esteem o » large circle of friends. Early m lite Mr Constance, who was a native ot Zavura, Greece, was engaged' for a number of years on various trading vessels in the East, He was at- this work at the time of the Crimean war, and could relate many interesting and exciting experiences. ■ Mr Constance came out to New Zealand over fortyfive years ago, and soon after his arrival was engaged in ballasting work at Lyttelton. In 1872, while at this work, he met with an accident, through a fall of rock, winch necessitated the amputation of one of his legs. The operation was performed by the late Dr Donald, at that time a Magistrate at the Port, and it is said that Mr Constance refused to take an amesthetic, preferring to watch the doctor at work. The loss of the limb prevented Mr Constance earning a livelihood at heavy work, so lie went out to Southbridge and opened a shop, where he Bold fish and fruit. About thirtyeight vears ago he took up fishing at Lake Ellesmere, and was engaged in that calling until a few years ago, when ho retired from active work, and allowed his son to carry on the fishing business. The deceased was married about twenty-nine years ago, • and leaves a family of eight children, three sons and five daughters. His wife predeceased him by sixteen years. The funeral, which took place on Monday, was well attended. The Rev H. G. Hawkins conducted the burial service. GEORGE SKEEN HTGHAM. A highly respected resident of the Styx district, Mr George Skeen Higham, died on April 17. at the age of sixtv-seven vears. The deceased came out to Canterbury with his parents in the Cressy, and resided at Christchurch for several years, going through many hardships of those early days. His father bought a farm at Papanui, which was then surrounded by swamp, flax and niggerhead's, very different from the cultivated lands of the present day. The ploughing was done with bullock teams, and the grain was carted by the same means. The deceased married the only daughter of the lato Mr T. Claridge, and settled down on his farm in the Styx district until the time of his death. He was a keen sportsman, and was a member of the Styx Gun Club, and was also one of the oldest members of the A.O.F. Court, Papanui. He leaves a widow and family of nine daughters and two sons.