OBITUARY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 5 July 1939, Page 9

OBITUARY

MR EDGAR WILLIAMSON

There died recently at Blackstonc | Hill one of the fast-diminishing band j of hardy pioneers in the person of Mr i Edgar Williamson. Mr Williamson's father, who was a solicitor, migrated from England to Australia, but. being attracted by the Otago gold diggings, went to Clyde, where Mr Williamson was born in 1867. being thus a colonist for 72 years. While quite a youth his father and mother died, and he left Dunedin carrying all his worldly possessions on his back. He occupied several positions of trust throughout Central Otago until 1395. when he secured part of Blackstone Hill run. and had farmed his property known as “Grand View” successfully ever since. He was a well-known breeder of stud sheep and took numerous prizes for j both sheep and wool at many shows ) throughout Central Otago. Mr Wil- j liamson was a prominent supporter of j the old Liberal Party, and took an i active part in the many stirring poli- ! tical contests of the old Seddonian ; days. On numerous occasions he came j to the rescue of motorists who got | stranded in the creek near his house. j and was ready at all horus to give them a pull to dry land with his trusty team. It was mainly through his persistence and persevercnce that the bridge over this creek, known as Williamson's Creek bridge, a boon to all travellers, was erected. Mr Williamson was made a justice «■; the peace some 20 years ago. and faithfully and earnestly carried out his outies in that capacity. He was alwa: ’ ready to lend a helping hand to any worthy object for the public benefit. and contributed generously and unostentatiously to any cases of distress. He will be missed by a large circle of triends, and the district will be much j (lie poorer for his passing. Mr Wil- | liamson was twice married, first to j Miss Munro. who predeceased him. and j later to Miss Tolmic. by whom he is j survived. He was an ardent worker : for the Blackstone Hill Presbyterian Church. Of a family of seven—four daughters j end three sons —only three survive him. j They are Mrs E. D. Wilson (Motueka), j Mrs Griffiths (Gimmerburn), and Mr! Edgar Williamson ißlackstone Hill), j There are ten grandchildren.