Obituary

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6519, 7 April 1931, Page 6

Obituary

MR. JOHN WAKEHAM. One of the hardy pioneers of New Zealand passed away on Saturday in the person of Mr John Wakeham, of Chclwood Street,, Palmerston North, Born in Devonshire, England, in 1847, deceased -was brought to New Zealand by his parents who landed in Nelson hi 1850. A year later Mr Wakeham's parents moved to Wainui-o-Mata where his two uncles Messrs Richard and William Prouse had already settled. The late Mr Wakeham married the only daughter of tho lato Mr Jackson, of Pctonc, and settled there when he retired from farming at the age of 55 years. All his life ho took the keenest interest in church work, having become a member of tho Methodist Church at the ago of 16 years. Since then he had occupied every position which a layman could fill. Deceased also took an active interest in public body work, being a member of the Hu tit Cou ntv Council for 33 successive years and filling tho office of chairman on several occasions. He was the first. Justice of tho Peace in tho Wainui-o-Mata district. Ho was twice elected to the Pctonc Borough Council and -was also a trustee of the Taita Cemetery Board, as well as a member of tho Wellington Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. After the demise of hi.s wife, deceased left Pctonc and lived in Masterton but latterlv had lived in Palmerston North. Mrs Austin Weller (Masterton) is a daughter of deceased, his only son having died at the age of 17 years. Also left to mourn her loss is deceased’s second wife and to her much sympathy will be extended. ‘ Mr Wakeham will be laid to rest in the Hutt cemetery to-day.