WAIKAIA NOTES.

Mataura Ensign, 20 March 1909, Page 6

WAIKAIA NOTES.

I'HOM ol 11, OWN CUUUBtfI'OSL'IiNT. Death has visiteil our little comiuunily of late. Two ol Ah- James raning-t-.-a's little children died suddenly willi- • u three weeks, and much sympathy lias ceil expressed tor (he parents in their bereavement. Alter a prolonged illness Mr Michael Moflitt, .sent'., passed away last Sunday night, and hy his death was removed another ol (he last-dimiiiishiiijj hand ol pioneers. Mr AloMitt was a native nl .Newcastle. England, and came from invcrcargill to the Nokomai diggings ' arly in 18GL\ starting prospecting ill Victoria Cully. Thence, along with his brother Coorgo. .Mr Matthew Wilson, end Mr James ballaiitync, he went ■ hit tin- range to Dome Creek, where they opened up a highly payable claim, which led In the creek- hoing rushed «ith miners from all directions. AVorkii;.; there with considerable success for ■ bout 18 months the pioneers returned '■' the Nokomai and look up a claim i here. In 186U they came to Switzers. ".'here lor a numiier of years deceased pursued his calling of mining; until in •lUijiiuctioii with his brother he bought ■•■ team of horses and tool: up the business of carting. He had retired from basinets altogether during late years. Deceased was much respected in the district, and was of a quiet, unassuming disposition. As a sportsman there was perhaps no keener man in the district. A successful athlete himself in his youth he tool; great interest in oti!' Caledonian .Society, but perhaps il ".■as as a fisherman that he was best known, and until quite recently he was to ho seen whipping our streams every day. Strangers coming to the district on fulling bent were keen to secure Mr .Mollilt's services as guide, as none knew the likely spots better. Deceased is Mirvired by a widow and large family, for whom the greatest sympathy •s felt. The funeral took place on Wednesday and was largely attended bv representatives of everv |Kirtion of the district. The Itev. \V. Haiu eon-. •lueted the funeral service.