Obituary

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 210, 6 September 1939, Page 10

Obituary

MR. THOMAS YARDLEY The death occurred on August 27 of Mr. Thomas Yardley, of 210 Rangitikei Street, at the age of 71 years. He had been a resident of Palmorston North for the past 30 years. The late Mr. Yardley was born in the South Island, and after his school days were over he became apprenticed to the firm of Reid and Gray, and manufactured farm implements. He was married in Dunedin and was later transferred by his firm to Palmerston North. For a time he left the firm and went into business with a partner. However, he withdrew and returned to his former employers until about five or six years ago, when he went into business again 1 , this time on his cwn account, as a plough manufacturer. Mr. Yardley was well-known among farmers and others in this part of the island. He devoted almost all bis time to the patenting of a plough, and had much pleasure in seeing it iu use before his death. He is survived by his widow, two daughters and one son— Mrs. Y. Hills (Gisberue) and Mrs. A. N. Liddell (Palmerston North) and Mr. W. G. Yardley (Palmerston North). There are also two sisters, Mrs. Barclay Oamaru) and Mrs. Millen (Duntroon, South Island) and one brother, Mr. W. Yardley (Wellington). There are three grandchildren. The interment took place last Tuesday at tho Palmerston North cemetery, the service being conducted by Rt. Rev. Monsignor J. F. MacManus. MR. E. W. A. OSBORNE. The death occurred last week at Ashhurst of Mr. E. W. A. Osborne, removing another of the pioneer settlers of the Manawatu. Deceased had been in failing health for some time. He was born in Wellington and came to this district as a young man when his father took up a bush settlement on the Bunny-thorpe-Ashhurst Road in 3893. After helping his father for some time deceased took over and farmed the property on his own account for 40 years, transforming it from the bush settlement to what it is to-day. He also took an active part in the affairs of the district, being a member of the Hiwinui School Committee for many years. Two years ago he retired to live in Palmerston North and was an active member of the Northern Bowling Club. The deceased gentleman leaves, besides his widow, one daughter and five sons, Mrs. W. Montgomery (Auckland), Messrs Cyril (Parewanui, Bulls), Raymond (Ashhurst), Gordon (Wairoa), Clarence (Auckland) and Noel (Wellington). MR. W. THOMSON. A well-known resident of Palmerston North, Mr. William Thomson, who passed away at his home in College Street, on August 31, was born in Rosshire, Scotland, on February 5, 1862, and educated at St. Andrew’s University and the University of Aberdeen, taking degrees with honours in several subjects. The late Mr. Thomson came to New Zealand in 1592 and was appointed minister of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Palmerston North, where he remained until 1900. He then went to Dunedin, and subsequently ho made a visit to Scotland, England and America. When he returned to New Zealand he took up land at Fitzherbert West. After the Great War he engaged in literary work, being editor of The New Zealander up to tho time of His death. He was also New Zealand editor of the Empire Mail until it ceased publication. Mr. Thomson was taken ill in Hamilton about a month ago and brought home to Palmerston North. Up to the last he took a keen interest in politics, and never hesitated to express his opinions decisively and fearlessly. A notable feature of his life was his close friendship of 62 years with Professor Hugh Mackenzie, of Wellington. The two gentlemen wero university students together, and Professor Mackenzie came to New Zealand a little, time after his friend

In 1593 Mr. Thomson married Marion Edith, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. Keeble, of Longburn, who survives him, together with four sons, Messrs Donald (Manakau), Robert (Palmerston North), John (Wellington) and Charles (Palmerston North) and ono daughter, Miss Jean Thomson (Palmerston North).