OBITUARY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 206, 31 July 1934, Page 2

OBITUARY.

MR WILLIAM BROOKIE. A link with the early days of the Parewanui and Sandoii districts was broken, on Sunday by the death of Mr William Brookie, which occurred at his residence, No. 15 Cuba Street, where he had lived in retirement for the past six years. Air Brookie’s parents had originally come from Scotland, and when Mr Brookie, senr., hook up fanning at Parewanui the district was in its virgin state. On the completion of his schooling Air William Brookie assisted his father in the activities of the farm, the produce from which had to be carried by bullock wagon to Bulls, fording the Tutaenui Stream en route, or was transported to Scott’s Ferry, where small vessels which had negotiated the Rangitikei River bar conveyed it to Wellington or Wanganui. As a young man Air Brookie, in company with his brother, introduced the first threshing mill into the district and for a period they engaged in this occupation which, he could recall, furnished a fund of interest to the Alaoris. Later Air William Brookie took up a property on the western side of the township of Sandon, but he continued to operate the threshing null on his own account. In 1899 he took up a property at Waitohi and he was engaged there until six yeais ago, when he came to Palmerston North to live in retirement. Of a happy and kindly disposition, the deceased gentleman was always ready to assist his fellow settlers and his passing will be regretted by a largo circle of friends. When living at AVaitolii he took ail interest in the school and he was a committee member for a period, while following his coming to Palmerston North lie took up bowling and as a member of the Palmerston North Club became very enthusiastic over the game. Although the deceased gentleman had enjoyed excellent health during the major portion of his life, he suffered an illness at the beginning of 1933 which kept him to his bed for some six months. A trip to Australia for recuperative purposes did not have the desired eftect although his health improved following his return to the Dominion, but the effects of the earlier illness told when lie was again laid aside and he passed away last evening in his 73rd year. In addition to his widow there are left to mourn their loss a family of two sons, Alessrs W. C. and P. G. Brookie, and one daughter, Aliss D. Brookie, all being residents of Palmerston North. There is one grandchild. The funeral took place to-day, when the remains were laid to rest in the Palmerston North Cemetery Rev. John Hubbard will conduct the graveside service.