OBITUARY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17949, 16 November 1918, Page 8

OBITUARY.

CHARLES WILLIAM REID. Mr Charles William Reid, whoso deatii took place on Thursday night at his residence; 43, Knowles Street, St Albans, was well known in business and sporting circles. He was a son of the late Mr John Reid, of Elderslie, near Oamaru, and a brother of Mr till. Moid, and was born in Dunedin in 186 5. He was educated at tho Ofcago Boys' High School, and, after leaving that institution, took up farming pursuits in conjunction with his father and became manager of the pastoral department of the Elderslie Estate in 1887. In 1901 ho undertook the management of the Balruddery Estate. Of late years Mr Reid had resided in Christchurch, being a partner in the firm of iv „'BBrs Pyne and Co. In his early days Mr Reid took a great interest in the volunteer movement, and served for a time in the Otago Hussars, and later on in the North Otago Mounted Rifles, in which he held a commission as lieutenant for seven years. He also took a great interest in racing, and during his residence in Otago was a member of the North Otago Jockey Club, of which he was president in 1903. He was also a member of the South Island Council of the New Zealand Sheepbreeders' Association. After the outbreak of war Mr Reid took a keen and practical interest in all patriotic movements. His son, Captain Reid, is at present on active service in PalestineMr Reid was a promoter and one oi the original directors of the Canterbury Aviation Company, and he always displayed a very live interest in tho work of the school. He was an excellent citizen, and was esteemed for his many amiable qualities. JAMES P. DRAKE. The death occurred late on Thursday evening of Mr James Pottinger Drake, of Essex Street, Linwood, at the age of seventyone years. The late Mr Drake came to New Zealand from Australia about sixty years ago. He entered the hardware trade on the West Coast, and later transferred to Lyttelton, where he was manager for tho firm of Hawkins and Co. Subsequently he became manager for the hardware business of Mason, StrutJiers and Co., and after twenty years' service there he retired. During the past ten years he has lived a retired life. He leaves five sons, all well-known in athletic circles—Victor, Walter, Frank, Gerald (on active service with the Fourth) and Reginald (returned from service) —and three daughters. His wife predeceased him twelve years ago. The ilate Mr Drake was well known and highly esteemed in business circles.

MRS AGNES BLATCHFORD. Canterbury has lost one of its earliest pioneers by the death of Mrs Agnes Blatchford, relict of the late William Blatchford. of Teddington, which occurred on Tuesday at her residence, 79. Mill Road, Spreydon, at the age of seventy-eight. Until quite recently the late Mrs Blatchford enjoyed wonderfully good health for a woman of her ago. She was overtaken by an attack of influenza, which caused her death in a week. The late Mrs Blatchford arrived at Nelson with her parents, Mr and Mrs S- Hanson', in the ship Thomas Harrison, in November, 1842. Early in 1844 the family arrived at Riccarton, where Mr Manson built the first bouse on the plains for the late Mr John Deans. In 1845 they left Riccarton and settled at the head of the bay now known as Teddington, where Mr Manson took up land, naming it Kain's. Hill. Mrs Blatchford remained with her parents till May, 1860, when she married the late Mr William Blatchford, settling down on his farm, named Teddington, the name being afterwards given to the district. Mr Blatchford died twenty-one years ago. Mrs Blatchford carried on the farm until aboutfourteen years ago, when she removed to Mill Road, Spreydon, where .ishe resided Until her death. The late Mrs Blatchford had a very good memory, and could relate many interesting stories of incidents that took place in the very early, days. She was of a kindlv disposition, ever ready to lend a helping hand in times of sickness or trouble. Since the war broke out she has been an ardent worker for the Red Cross. The deceased leaves two sons, six daughters, seventeen rrrandchildren and four great-grandchildren. . The funeral took place at the Governor's Bay cemetery yesterday.

WILLIAM WILLS. Mr William Wills, home missionary in charge of the Sefton Presbyterian Church, .passed away yesterday morning after a brief illness due to complications following influenza. Mr Wills was for five years stationed at Scargill, another period at Motukarara, and served a short while at Cheviot. He was very popular in all his parishes, and promised to have a useful ministry in Sefton, to which he was appointed last July. He leaves a widow and six young children, "with whom his many friends in Sefton and former parishes will deeply sympathise.

C P. TAYLOR. Mr C. - P.. Taylor, who died at the Christchurch Hospital yesterday after a very brief illness from pneumonia following influenza, was very wellknown in Upper Riccarton, where he and his parents had resided for many years. He was president of the Canterbury Fruitgrowers' Association, and was a very successful orchardist, having taken many prizes for fruit at shows held in both islands during the past few years. He was fortj-nine years of age, and in his younger days was a keen footballer, playing for the Christchurch Football Club, and representing Canterbury in the season of 1890. A few years ago he was prominent in swimming affairs, and during the existence of the Riccarton Amateur Swimming Clpb was one of its leading officials. Ho .leaves a widowed mother and a little daughter.