OBITUARY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 96, 22 March 1929, Page 7

OBITUARY.

PASSING OF AN OLD SETTLER. MR W. A. BROWNING. There passed away yesterday one of the early residents of this town in the person of Mr William Arthur Browning, who arrived here nearly hair a century ago, at a time when Palmerston North was yet in its infancy and when the surrounding countryside was largely covered with native bush. Born in Portsmouth 65 years ago, Mr Browning arrived in the Dominion at the ago of twelve, landing in Lyttelton. Four years later, he left for the North Island and after working in various parts took up several bush contracts in Taranaki. About fortyfive years ago he came to Palmerston North, marrying two years later. He established a coachbuilding business, occupying premises in Cuba btreet next to fir W. T. Wood’s smithy on the corner ot Cuba and Rangitikei Streets, which .to-day is the site of the National Bank. Following a destructive fire he removed to Main Street W-est where he built up a business that was wellknown throughout the district, retiring some nine years ago. The deceased gentleman was a member of the Manawatu Mounted Rifles when it was under the command of Mr D. Pringle and the late Mr U Dunk. He was the oldest member «f Lodgo Manawatu Kilwinning, of which he was a past master. Mr Browning was also for. many years a member of the Fire Brigade, rising to toe rank of lieutenant when the Tate Air Tingev was superintendent and in resoect his memory the flag at the statkm was flown at half-mast to-day. Mr Browning leaves to mourn their loss a widow, one son —Mr Arthur Browning, of Hamilton—and three daughters—Mesdames Holder (Christchiuch) Dean (Palmerston North) and Clegg (T'aumarunui). There are also two grandsons and three granddaughters.