PIONEER OF MARUA AND KAURI

Northern Advocate, 30 November 1936, Page 4

PIONEER OF MARUA AND KAURI

MR HUGH ALEXANDER McINNES PASSES

A highly respected identity of the old North, in the person of Mr Hugh Alexander Mclnnes, passed away at the Whangarei District Hospital last night, aged 71 years. His parents, the late Roderick and Mary Mclnnes, were among those aboard the Breadalbane when she arrived in Auckland; Harbour from the Big Bras D’Or, Cape* Breton Island, on May 23, 1858. Some c-f the emigrants from this vessel joined others of the Nova Scotian people at Waipu, others established the first settlement at Whangarei Heads, while Mr and Mrs Mclnnes were among those who became the pioneers of the Kaurihohore district. Deceased was born shortly after they had arrived at their new home. Hugh Alexander Mclnnes, himself, was destined to be a pioneer of another district —Marua—where he took up a large block of land in the early ’Bo’s. Reading was practically nonexistent in those days, there were no creameries, and Mr Mclnnes made butter on his own farm, selling it at 4d per lb. Leading Sportsman. Although living in a district which remained remote until the beginning of this century, Mr Mclnnes was recognised as one of the leading sportsmen in the North. He bred, owned, trained and sometimes rode a string of fine horses, which competed with great success at Kensington Park, Kamo (where the racecourse was situated on the site of the present saleyards) and Hikurangi (where meetings were held on what is now Valley ' Road). A horse of the best championship class with which Mr Mclnnes gained many successes in cup events was Lord Alma. The last appearance Lord Alma made was in a hurdle event at Kensington, with the owner 'up. In clearing a hurdle. Lord Alma received injuries from which he never recovered.

Keen Cricketer.

Mr Mclnnes was also a keen and talented cricketer, one of the best of his day in the North. His eldest son, Ivan, is a Northland representative Rugby player.

Of a retiring disposition, Mr Mclnnes concentrated upon the upbringing of his family and the improvement of his farm, in both of which he was eminently successful. About a fortnight ago he entered the Whangarei District Hospital, suffering from heart trouble.

About 33 years ago he married Miss Jane Davidson, also of Mania, who survives her husband. The union produced 14 children, all of whom are alive and well today. They are: Ivan, Davis, Norman, Roderick, Pearson, Vivian and Alan (all of Marua), Mrs F. Teal (Riponui), and Misses Joan (nursing at Wanganui Hospital), Alma, May, Jean, Erica and Kathleen (of Marua).

The funeral will leave the residence at 2. IS p.m. on Tuesday for Mhrua Cemetery.