Sandon Settler Passes in Retirement

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 181, 31 July 1934, Page 3

Sandon Settler Passes in Retirement

MU WILLIAM BKOOKIE Mr William Broolde, who, at. the age of 72 years, passed - away at his residence in Cuba street on Sunday evening, was, until liis retirement there a few years ago, a settler of * the Sandon district. Mr Brookie’s parents had originally come from Scotland, and when Mr Broolde, senr., took up farming at Parewanui the district was in its virgin state. On the completion of his schooling Mr William Brookie assisted his father in the ac-

tivities of the farm, the produce from which had to be carried by bullock wagon to Bulls, or was transported to Scott’s Ferry. As a young man Mr Brookie, jn company with his brother, introduced tho 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 Maoris. Later tho deceased gentleman took up a property on the western side of tho township of Sandon, but he continued to operate the threshing mill on his own account. In 1899 he took up a property at Waitohi and ho was engaged thero until six years ago. Ho was sincerely respected in the various circles in which ho moved. When living at Waitohi he took an interest in tho school, and he was a committee member for a period, while after coming to Palmerston North he 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 tho desired effect, although his health temporarily improved following his return to the Dominion. In addition to his widow there are left to mourn their loss a family of two sons, Messrs W, C. and P. G. Brookie, and one daughter, Miss D. B-rookie, all being residents of Palmerston North. There is one granddaughter.