Mrs. Howard Smith

Northern Advocate, 16 December 1938, Page 2

Mrs. Howard Smith

OBITUARY

A well-known member of a Northland pioneering family was lost to Whangarei on Wednesday night with the passing, at her residence, Central Avenue, of Mrs. Alice Smith. Mrr, ■ Smith, who was 74 years of age. was the oldest daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Vyle, of Ctaika.

The late Mr. and Mrs. Vyle came to New Zealand from England as a newly-wed. couple 75 years ago, and Mrs. Smith was born in Auckland. Burnt Out at Waikiekie.

While she was still a child her parents removed to Waikiekie, where they look up an immigrant’s grant in heavy bush country, and Mrs. Smith was carried to her new home on her father’s back. When their Waikiekie home was burned out, the family moved to Mangapai. where the late Mr. Vyle was engaged in building houses for settlers, Later they came to the old homestead, Tapu Farm, at Olaika, where Mr, A. E, Vyle now' resides. About 40 years ago the deceased lady married Mr, Howard Smith, and since that date has resided .continuously in Central Avenue. Salvation Army Service.

Although of * quiet, unassuming nature, Mrs. Smith, had for the past 45 years been actively connected with the, Whangarei Salvation Army corps, of which the was a foundation member.

She held almost every eligible position as a local officer, being .a member of the executive branch both as treasurer and as secretary. She was also treasurer of the Home League and .an active worker as a teacher in the Young People’s department. 'She was finance sergeant to the senior department and. through her street collection activities, was perhaps one of the best-known personalities in Whangarei. No more fitting description could be given than that she was, until the last, a loyal and faithful soldier of the corps. It was not until a fortnight ago that her failing strength prevented her from taking an active part in its work. In addition to her husband. Mrs. Smith is survived by three brothers, Messrs A. E. Vyle. Otaika, W. E. Vyle, Central Avenue, and H. H. Vyle, Bank Street, and. five sisters. Mesdames H. Tatton, and A.. Elmore, Auckland, R. Neil St. Helier’s Bay. Auckland, G. Rhodes, Maunu Road, and J. Coulton Kensington. The funeral takes place tomorrow afternoon.