EARLY SETTLERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16300, 5 August 1916, Page 9

EARLY SETTLERS.

SEVERAL DEATHS REPORTED.'

MR. THOMAS COOKE.

The death of Mr. Thomas Cooke, of T. and H. Cooke, Ltd., took place at his residence, Sarsfield Street. Ponsonby. yesterday morning. Mr. Cooke, who was 87 years of age, was born at Islington, London, and was one of a band of pioneer colonists who arrived in Auckland 58 years ago in the sailing vessel MaryAnn. With the exception of a short period spent in the Kaipara district, the. deceased had resided in Auckland ever since. In business Mr. Cooke was associated with his brother, Mr. Henry Cooke, for a period of 50 years, and after the death of the latter in 1908 continued actively engaged to within the last fewmonths, when failing health compelled his retirement.

I A staunch supporter of th© Methodist I Church, the late Mr. Cooke was one of : the original trustees of the Pitt Street j circuit, and continued a member of the hoard until his death. The deceased is survived bv a widow, two sons Messrs. A. G. Cooke and W. H. —and two daughters. Misses M and F. Cooke. The funeral, which is to be of a private nature, takes place to-day. MRS. MARION J. KAY. An old identity, in the person of Mrs. Marion Johnson Kay, aged 89. passed away at her residence, Stanley Street, on Wednesday. Mrs. Kay, who was a member of a Scotch family named Mclntyre. arrived in Auckland on Christmas Day 51 years ago. She settled in Onehnnga, and a year later married Mr. John Kay, and with her husband removed to Thames. Mr. Kay was employed on the Bonni* Ventura, one of the first steamers that made its way up the Ohinemuri River. At the time of the Waikato war Mr. Kay was a fireman on a gunboat which enzaced the enemy on the Waikato River. Thirty years ago Mr. and Mrs. Kay took up their residence in Stanley Street. Auckland, and both lived there constantlv until their decease. Mr. Kay died in 1912 at the age of 77. When the first Manger© Bridge was built. 50 years ago. Mrs. Kay was the first white woman to cross it. Mrs. Kav. who left no children, was a I sister of Mr. .Tame l : McTntvre. fit Mangere. I who is now the only surviving member of a family of 11. The funeral takes plac« ! at Mangere this afternoon. MRS. ANN YEARBURV. An old colonist in the person of Mrs* Ann Yearbury has parsed away at at he age of 81 vears. The late Mrs. Yearbury was born in Dorsetshire. England, where she married the late Air. William Yearbury, who died 20 years ago. With their family, the late Air. and Mrs. Yearbury arrived in New Zealand about 40 years ago, and immediately took up land at Hoteo North, where thev followed? sheep and rattle farming. The same land is now being farmed by the youngest son, Mr. Robert Yearbury. The deceased left three other sons and three daughters, as follows :—Mr. William Yearburv, Tanhoa. North Auckland : Mr. Edward Yearbury, retired farmer, Epsom; Air. George Yearbury. retired farmer, Whangarei ; Mrs. Buck ton. Mangakura; Mrs. Sanders,, Raglan; and Mrs. Garrish. Thames.