OBITUARY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 253, 22 September 1933, Page 7

OBITUARY.

MR JOSEPH WEIGHTMAN. At the ripe age of 90 years, the death ocurred this morning of Mr Joseph Weightman, a pioneer settler of Awahuri. Born in Nottinghamshire, England, in 1844, the late Mr Weightman came to New Zealand in 1877 and settled in Awahuri when it was far removed from the appearance it presents to-day. Taking up farming pursuits, the deceased gentleman shortly afterwards followed his natural inclination and devoted himself to nursery work and fruit-growing. The 6teady application of his undoubted ability in this direction was not long in bringing results, and long before he retired after a lifetime spent in the cultivation of things beautiful he had the satisfaction of seeing the name of Weightman associated with flowers throughout the length and breadth of the country. Of a quiet, retiring disposition, the late Mr Weightman never took an active part in public affairs, devoting his activities to caring for his family and to his chosen profession. He made, however, by his inherent courtesy and kindliness, a host of friends over a wide area, and these will deeply regret his passing. For some years he was chairman of the Awahuri School Committee and in that capacity the school benefited by his work. About 11 years ago the deceased gentleman retired from active work to live in Foilding, but since an illness he suffered a few months ago he returned to the old home where lie had lived and laboured so long to quietly pass away this morning. He was predeceased by liis wife some 15 years ago and of a family of six sons and five daughters, one son and one daughter predeceased him also. To the surviving members of the family the sympathy of their many friends in tlieir loss will readily be extended.