DEATH OF AN OLD PIONEER.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 6976, 27 February 1890, Page 2

DEATH OF AN OLD PIONEER.

(FROM OUR LIVINGSTONE COKUSrOSDKM*.) A large gathering of people followed tho remain* of Mr Robert William Botting to their last restiug place in the Livingstone cemetery on Tuesday, the 25th instant. Mr Butting was a very old colonist, having came out to Adelaide, South Australia, in the first ship, under engagement to the Government to build cottages for the immigrants. Ha subsequently went orerland to the Bendigo rush. Returning, however, in a few years to South Australia, he took up land with the intention of a permanent settlement. But the news of rich gold discoveries in New Zealand induced him to dispose of his property, and so he cam* to this colony with his family. He first took up his abede at Naseby, when he was in business for some time. About 19 years ago Mr Botting with his family moved agun, this time to Livingstone, where he remained engaged in mining up to a few years ago. For the last 12 months Mr Botting has been residing with one of his sons at Naseby, but it was his wish that he should be buried alongside of his wife — who pre-deceased him by 14 years — in the Livingstone cemetery. This wish his sens have sacredly carried out, as they brought the body from Naseby on Monday, the deceased having died the day before (Sunday). Mr Botting was a man of studious habits, and of an inventive turn of mind. He took an active and earnest interest in educational matters, being a member of the Livingstone School Committee for many years. He also took an active part in mining affairs, and was a member of the Mining Association tor a long time ; indeed it might be said that Mr Botting possessed in a large measure the best qualities characteristic of the early pioneers. Mr Botting leaves a family of eight sons and two daughters to inoum his death. He bad reached the ripe age of 72 years, and in livingstone, where he was best known, his name will be long remembered and spoken of with respect.