PERSONALITIES

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7007, 17 November 1932, Page 6

PERSONALITIES

Mr. J. D. Atkinson, of Palmerston North, has been appointed recorder at tho research orchard, Nelson, which is controlled by the Scientific and Industrial Research Department. Ho leaves for Nelson to-day. Another link With the pioneering days of South Taranaki was broken by the passing of Mr. Allen Grace on October 30 at his homo in Now Plymouth. Going from the Manawatu over 40 years ago, he took up a block of land from tho Crown on the Rowan road, Kaponga, At a service at St. Mary’s Church, Archdeacon Gavin referred to deceased as one of Nature’s gentlemen, whose high ideals and lofty principles were a guido and inspiration to all those with whom ho was associated. The service included tho deceased gentleman’s favourite hymn. There was a largo funeral cortege. The late Mr. Grace is survived by his widow; one daughter, Miss M. F. Grace; and three sons, Messrs. R. A. Grace, H. Grace and N. F. Grace, of Kaponga. Mr. F. Grace (Sanson) is a brother, tho sisters being Mesdamcs 0. S. Tyorman (Palmerston North), T. F. Clapham (Fcilding) and L. Ellerm (Sandon).

The death has occurred at "Waikoko,” Tomoana, Hawke’s Bay, of Mr. William Nelson, founder of Nelson Bros.’ Freezing Works at Tomoana, and known as the '‘Father of Hawke’s Bay.’’ Tho late Mr Nelson, who was 89 years of age, was born in England, Ho left school at the age of fifteen and four years later emigrated to New Zealand in company with his brother, Mr. F. Nelson. He arrived at Akkroa in 1862, and served in tho Maori War. For some time ho lived at Kcrcru, and in 1864 returned to England. In 1866 he began fanning at Waipukurau, and in 1870 at Kereru. Until 1872 ho was interested in flax-milling at Mangaterctore. Between 1872 and 1880 he was again in England. He built the Tomoana boiling-down works and in 1883 started tho Tomoana Freezing Works. He retired in 1920. Ho was a member and chairman of the Clive River Board and also served on various other local bodies. When the Free Association of Employers was formed after tho 1890 strike he was president for some years. His oldest son is Mr. W. H. Nelson, of Woodville.