OBITUARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17275, 26 September 1919, Page 8

OBITUARY.

REV. J. M. SAUNDERS.

LATE MINISTER OF ST. DAVID'S.

A former minister of St. David's Presbyterian Church, the Rev. J. M. Saunders, died at Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday, news to that effect having been received in Auckland yesterday. Mr. Saunders had been in charge of St, David's for seven years, when, owing to his wife' 3 health, he left for the United States in October last. His resignation was not accepted by the con gregation, however, until March. His ministry in Auckland was most successful, and at the time of his departure St. David's occupied a leading place, among the Presbyterian churches of the Dominion. Mr. Saunders is survived by bis widow and two daughter*. Memorial services will be held at St. David's on Sunday.

MR. RICHARD T. TALBOT. Death removed another old colonist on Wednesday in the person of Mr. Richard T. Talbot, of Church Street West, Onehunga. Mr. Talbot, who was in his 84th year, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, and arrived in Auckland in 1863. He was one of the first schoolteachers under the Provincial Board, and subsequently continued teaching under the Education Board until about 20 years ago, when he retired. He was a member of St. Peter's Anglican Church, Onehunga. Mr. Talbot is survived by one son and four daughters. His wife predeceased him about nine years ago. MRS. ALEXANDER WILSON. The death occurred at Birkenhead yes* terday of Mrs. Alexander Wilson, in "her 80th year. With her husband, Mrs. Wilson came to New Zealand in the ship Portland in 1863, settling three years later at Birkenheadthen known as Stokes'. —where she has resided ever since. _ She experienced many of the hardships and privations of the early settlers, but although ever busy with the cares and anxieties of a large family., she always found time to help any of her neighbours who were in need of assistance, at a time when help from outside the district was almjst unprocurable. She leaves a family of nine sons and five daughters, also 40 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The sons are : Messrs. Thomas Wilson, of Ruakaka; Alex. Wilson, of Ruatangata; John and Robert Wilson, of Kaukapakapa ; William Wilson, of Taupaki; and Allan, Arch., Charles, and James Wilson, of Auckland. The daughters are : Mesdames B. H. Clow and W. Low, of Auckland; J. Low, of Matangi; and Misses Jeannie and Marion Wilson, of Birkenhead.

AN AUCKLAND PIONEER. [by TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENT.] CHRISTCHTTRCEr, Thursday. Mr. Joseph Neale, who died yesterday at Lower Riccarton, was born in Auckland in 1845. He was apprenticed to the building trade, but at the age of 17 years, when the Maori war broke out, Joined the No. 1, Auckland, Royal Company of Volunteers under Captain Howell. Mr. Neale saw much active service in the Maori war, and was awarded the Maori war medal and granted a pension. When the war was over Mr. Neale left Auckland for the West Coast diggings, where lie had many exciting adventures. He subsequently returned to Auckland. After spending about 18 months there he went to Otago on a building contract in Dunedin. He heard of the goldfields at Nasebv and made his way there, and remained for seven years, on one occasion narrowly escaping being buried alive in a tunnel which he was digging. After leaving Naseby Mr. Neale went to the Livingston goldfields, 40 miles inland from Oamaru, where he also had many interesting experiences. He had been a resident in Christchurch for the past 19 years.