OBITUARY

Northern Advocate, 8 April 1931, Page 3

OBITUARY

AIR JAMES MORELL METCALFE. A highly respected early settler of the Matakoho district passed to his rest, early on Saturday morning last, in the person of Mr J. M. Metcalfe, at the age of 80 years. Deceased had enjoyed remarkably good health in his advanced years, being only troubled with a little rheumatism, but more recently heart Aveakness manifested itself. On Friday evening a heart attack occurred, but Mr Metcalfe recovered consciousness a short time afterwards and was able to recognise members of his family. Dr Dawson was summoned, but the patient Avas beyond medical aid, and death occurred at 1 o’clock on Saturday morning. Air Aletcalfe came to Noav Zealand Avith his parents, the late Air and Airs C. J. Metcalfe, in 1863, at the age of 13. The family’s Crown grant was on the upper Pahi River. The property afterwards occupied by Air Palmer, but finding this difficult of access in'those days, a move Avas made to Alatakblie, and the Aletcalfes secured the wellknoAVii “Clairmont" property. Mr and Mrs Aletcalfe, senr., showed a AA'orthy interest in district progress, but returned to England in 1873, and Air .1. At. Aletcalfe continued to farm the “Clairmont" estate successfully until he retired to live in Alatakohc toAvnship 15 years ago. In 1873, the year his parents returned to England, Air Aletcalfe AA r as married to ATiss Bessie Warner. The family are as follows: —Afessrs Ernest Alet caffe (Te KaAva, Te Avvamutu), Charles (Waitakirei), Edward, Herbert, Frank, and Archie (Atatakohe), and Harold (deceased). Air Metcalfe was Avidely respected for his unassuming, upright character and his courteous and gentlemanly bearing. He did not take any prominent part in public, life. Though originally a Congregationalist, he ahvays gave his support and sympathy to both the Anglican and Alethodist Churches, Avhich operate in the district. He was a strong advocate of Anglo-lsrael in- ’ terpretatiou of Bible prophecy.