SECOND EDITION OBITUARY.

Mataura Ensign, 29 June 1918, Page 5

SECOND EDITION OBITUARY.

MR DONALD ROBERTSON, OTAMA.

Mr Donald Robertson, one of the oldest and most respected ► residents of the district, passed away - yesterday at

Struau, 1 (.Hama, which lias been his home since 1877. Had he lived a few days longer 1m would have celebrated his 85th birthday, as he was born at Kinardochy, Perthshire, on July 8, 1833. He was educated at the Foss Parish School, and after leaving it he assisted his lather at the latter’s occupation -of shoeniaking. In 185S he commenced schoolteachin" at Lochaber Parish S shoo I and here he continued for five years until, in company with his two brothers, he ((migrated to New Zealand, leaving St. Katherine Dock, London, on May J, I SCI. in the ship New Great Britain. The Southland Provincial Council assisted some of the passengers, but the Robertson Bros, 'were among those who paid their own passage money. Arrived at the i I lull, deceased soon .found occupation in.the Telegraph Department. Thereafter he worked for the well-known early Southland surveyors, Messrs Mueller and Geisow,. and at odd jobs in the Invercargill district. When in 180.5 news reached Southland of tin- rich gold discoveries iu AVestlapel, Mr Robertson joined the big i-Ufdi that went there. He met with no flick, however. and walked overland to Christchurch. the party being reduced to sore straits through food being unprocurable on the route. After working at Prebblcton, Canterbury, the deceased gentleman tramped south to “Breadalbane,” Taieri, where he worked for eight months. Then the position ■of boundary-rider on, "Wantwood Station” was offered to him. This was in. December, iSfia, and .=OIIOO then Mr Robertson had been a resident of this district. \\ lien the Otama Block was thrown open for selection and disposed of af the "big land sale” of 1877, Mr Robertson secured the farm which he named “Struau,” and which he continued t() work successfully since, A man of upright character and sterling qualities he was respected far and near, and Ilfs death breaks another link holding the present settlers with the pioneers of the block. Air Robertson was married in 18U8, walking from "Wantwood” to* Invercargill for that purpose. He married a lady of the same name as himself, -and she predeceased him by some two years. The late Mr Robertson leaves a faniily of three sons and two daughters, viz!, Messrs James and John D. Robertson (fanners, Otama). Air Charles Robertson (choesegrnder. New Plymouth), Mrs Win. Millar (Knapdale), and Miss Robertson (at home). Mr Colin Robertson. of Waikaia. is a brother. The funeral will take place at the Core Cemetery on Monday.