OBITUARY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18413, 20 May 1920, Page 5

OBITUARY.

MR WILLIAM M’MILLAN. Mr William M’Millau died on Saturday at his home, “ Gowan Brae,” Dyer’s Pass Road, Cashmere, whore he had been living since his retirement a few years ago from active farming. Mr M’Millan was bom in Ayrshire, Scotland, and was brought up to farming. He came to New Zealand in 1860 in the ship Mermaid, and landed, at Lyttelton. He engaged in farm labouring and later on he entered the service of Mr J. C. Wason, and was manager on his estate for years. In 1875 Mr M’Millan bought land in the Methven district, and worked his farm in conjunction with the management of Mr Wason’s estate. In 1890 Mr M’Millan leased his Methvon property and bought his Irwell estate, of about 760 acres,, on.which he carried on mixed farming. always took an active part in matters connected with the progress of his district. Ho was a member of the old Ellesmere Road Board for many years, and was for a long time chairman. Before his arrival in the Ellesmere district he was a member of the Methven Road Board for twelve years, and chairman for several years, and also served on the Malvern Road Board. Ho was also a member of the Ashburton County Council, for several years', and of the Barr HiU School Committee. He served for a long time au the Irwell School Committee, omi tnroughout his residence at Irwell took a great interest in the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which he was president in 1905. Tin to the time of Ills death Mr M’Millan was a largo shareholder in tho Now Zealand Farmers’ Co-operative Association. He was a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church, and for a imbiber of years was a member of the Farmers’ Union, at one time holding the office of chairman of tho Ellesmere branch. Mr M’Millan is survived by his widow, three sons, and Several daughters. The sons are Messrs W. J. M’Millan, of Culverden; Biwce M’Millan, also of North Canterbury; and Robert T. M’Millan, of Irwell. Mr R. T. M’Millan has farmed tho “ Slideley ” estate since his father retired some eight or nine years ago.