OBITUARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18189, 7 September 1922, Page 8

OBITUARY.

DEATH OF OLD COLONIST. MR. JAMES BUTCHER. An old colonist, Mr. James Butcher, m passed away at his residence, 79, Victoria Avenue, Remuera, at the age of 89 years. Mr. Butcher sustained a foil about five weeks ago,, and since then had been in ill-health. He was born in Camberwell, Surrey, England, in 1832, went to Melbourne in 1661, and three years later came - ' to Auckland, in the brig Union. He at once established a business as carrying, ,-'. receiving, and forwarding agent, under the style of J. Batcher and Company, disposing of the business in 1896 to tho late Mr. J. J. Craig. _ Mr. Butcher was ajao a stevedore, and in that capacity was re- < sponsible for the loading and unloading of some of the largest sailing ships thai visited this port. He afeo established tho first dumping plant for wool, flax, and tow, this bemg in Comxaerce Street, and later removed to Fort Street. On disposing of his business, he took up farming in tho Rurangi and Whangarei districts, being so engaged for 16 years. He lived at Victoria Avenue ever since his retirement about eight years ago. Mr. Butcher was a member of the Auckland Harbour Board from 1891 to 1893, as nominee of the Government. He was also a member of tho Loyal Good Intent Lodge, Manchester Unity, for 66 years, . - and an old member of the Beresford Street Congregational Church. Mr. Batcher was married twice. His first wife died 46 years ago, and bis second 115 , months ago. His is survived by one son. Mr. F. G. Butcher, a step-daughter, Mw. . C. Parker, a grand-daughter, Mrs. A Daisley, and 10 great-grandchildren. The interment took place at Symonds Street cemetery on Tuesday, the service being conducted by tho Rev. Frederic Warh>sr. , MR. WILLTAM VANT. [BY TSIBGEAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDWK.] CAMBRIDGE. Wednesday. The death occurred in Cambridge oa Tuesday evening of a well-known and highly-esteemed resident, Mr. William Vant, in his 76th year. Mr. Vant had enjoyed fairly good health until about * fortnight ago, wheu he became seriousjy ill. The deceased was born in Kent, Eng=land, and came to New Zealand in the sailing ship Alumbagh, in the year 1875. He resided at Ngaruawahia for 42 years, and established a coach-building business there. Recently the deceased had lived with his daughter, Mrs. C. H. Bycrofi, of Cambridge. He was married twice, and is survived by his second wife. He leaves one son, Mr. W. Vant, of Pukekohe, and two daughters, Mrs. C.H. Bycroft, of Cambridge, and Mrs. G. Bycroft, of Kaiaka.

MR. JAMES GBTBBLE. A former resident of Thames. Mr. James Gribble, died last week at the residence of his son, Mr. J. R. Gribble, Mania, near Hikurangi, at th© age of 74 (years. He was the second son of Mr, Samuel Gribble, who arrived at Auckland in 1842 by the ship Jane Gifford, and he was born on what was then known as Barrack Hill, now Albert Park. When he was about 12 years of age his parents ana family left for South Australia, whore they remained for about nine years, returning to Auckland shortly after Thames was proclaimed a goldfield. Almost immediately the family went to Thames, where the deceased took up the pursuit of mining, and at one time assisted his Jatiier in the management of the Alburaia Mine. Except, for one or two visits to Western Australia, where he had the management of mining properties for some time, his life was spent in New Zealand." He is survived by Mrs. Gribble, two sons and four daughters. The daughters are, Mrs. H. Willetts, of Tairoa; Mrs. S. V. Full- - james and Mrs- J. Hamilton, of Whangarei, and Mm E. Sanderson, of Whangaf-. roa. The sons are Messrs, J. Gribble, of Tairoa, and J. E. Gribble, of Marua. \ His younger son, Leicester G. Gribble, was killed in action in France.