OBITUARY.

Northland Age, Volume 2, Issue 1, 8 January 1930, Page 4

OBITUARY.

MR. R. B. COULTER. It is with profound regret that we have to chronicle the death of Mr. Robert Blakely Coulter who passed away, after a brief illness, in the Mangonui Hospital on Saturday the 21 December. The deceased was the youngest son of Mrs. D. Coulter and the late Thomas Coulter of Fairburns and was born in the district fortythree years ago. He was educated at the local school and subsequently followed farming pursuits after receiving training under his father. In 1909 the late Mr. Coulter married Miss Elsie Maugham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. Maugham of Victoria Valley. A little later he, with other young settlers, took up sections in Otukai where he carved out a home in the virgin bush. Only those who know the transformation which has been wrought in the Otukai district can appreciate the indomitable spirit and the tenacity of these young pioneers. After many years of arduous work, it was the intention of the late Mr. Coulter to come nearer to the centre of settlement where his mother and brothers at present reside, and with this in view a most up-to-date residence was in the course of erection. Although unassuming in manner, the deceased gentleman took a keen interest in all present day activities, and nrior to his death was a trustee of the Fairburn Church. The residents will always remember the late Mr. Coulter for his generosity in placing his beautiful grounds behind the church at their disposal for social purposes. The interment took place at the Fairburn’s Cemetery on Sunday December 22, the Rev. Grice conducting the burial service. Despite the inclemency of the weather, a large assemblage of people attended to pay their last respects.

The deceased is survived by his wife, two daughters and four sons, to whom all extend their deepest sympathy.