Mrs. Hannah Croft, Of Kaimamakau

Northern Advocate, 28 November 1939, Page 4

Mrs. Hannah Croft, Of Kaimamakau

OBITUARY

Resident at Kaimamakau since 1884 Mrs. Hannah Croft died at her residence yesterday, aged 82 years. Among the generation of true pioneers she was loved and appreciated for her unfailing and sympathetic service at confinements. Fitted by her training ,as a nurse in England, she was the only qualified midwife in a wide district. When the call came she never turned a deaf ear, walking or riding long distances over the most primitive tracks in order to succour and help. Born in Yorkshire. Born in Yorkshire on January 8, 1857, she married in 1881 the late Mr. William Croft. Three years later they sailed for New Zealand on the Kaikoura, their arrival in the new land being marked by a personal tragedy. On the last stage of the long voyage —that between Lyttelton and Auckland —their infant daughter died, and was buried on the day of their arrival in Auckland, December 16, 1884. The following day they came to Whangarei and on the New Year’s Day following trekked by bridle paths to Kaimamakau, near Whakapara. A great deal of the journey had to be made on foot.

The property had been acquired from McLeod Bros., among the very first settlers in the Whakapara district, and upon it stood a small house, the timber for which had been cross cut and pit-sawn from the bush clothing the farm. Pioneering Rigours.

The dwelling was made more comfortable with additions made from materials similarly obtained. A stonemason by trade, Mr. Croft gradually brought the property into production, being assisted at every turn by his wife, who soon accustomed herself to the rigours of pioneering. In 1918 while two sons—Jack (now resident at Kaimamakau) and Fred (Opuawhanga)—were Serving with the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces Mr. Croft passed away. The other surviving sons are James (Hikurangi) and Harry (on the homestead property). There are 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild. The funeral took place at Otonga Cemetery this afternoon, the Rev. H. W. Heaslip, of Hikurangi, officiating.