OBITUARY.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 4327, 17 August 1937, Page 4

OBITUARY.

WILLIAM GUMMING; Aged 81. The death occured at his residence, Lumsden, on Wednesday last, of Mr William Gumming, erstwhile of the Lakes district. Deceased, who had reached the ripe age of 81 years, was born in Elgin, Morayshire, Scotland. He was among the earlier colonists who came to Xew Zealand to carve out an existence in these new lands. He was only 17 years of age when he landed in this country. Deceased made his first objective the Wanaka district, where he was engaged in agricultural and mining pursuits. He also did some carrying between Wanaka and Dunedin. He subsequently came to tills district and acquired Hazed’s store in the Left-hand branch of the Upper Shotover. At the same time he gave some attention to mining. Fortune having favoured the * young settler, he then acquired a farm at Millers Plat, which he carried on for close on 20 years, again meeting with success. After losing his first wife deceased sold out his farm and removed to Lumsden in about 1913, where he purchased McFetridge’s store. Prior to this deceased went for a trip to the Homeland. He retired from business about 13 years ago and lived in retirement till the date of his death. During his business career the late Mr Cumming’s dealings were always marked with utmost integrity and he thus won the esteem and respect of all those with whom he came in touchDuring his sojourn in the Lakes district deceased found time to devote to various public activities. He was also an active member of the Wakatipu Mounted Eifles and in the latter years of its existence he was captain of the unit. During Ms residence in Lumsden deceased was a member of the Town Board for several terms. By Ms urbane manner, the late Mr Gumming made hosts of friends whereever he resided. Deceased was twice married and outlived both his '- wives. There was no family. He is r survived by his brother, Mr Jas. Cuniming (Lumsden), two nephews, Messrs Jas. Gumming and W. Gumming (Castlerock) and three nieces, Mrs Jean McHattie (Invercargill), Mrs M. MCconnochie (Lochiel), and Mrs Jean Ibbotson (Lumsden). The remains were brought to Queenstown on Friday and were placed in St. Andrew’s Church, where a short service was held. The cortege subsequently left for the Queenstown cemetery where the burial ceremony was conducted fy the Rev. D. E. Boyd.