DETH AT NINTY-NINE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18774, 30 July 1924, Page 10

DETH AT NINTY-NINE.

MR! ZdLIXAND^ AN .ADVENTUROUS VOYAGE. Another of the -fast-dimimslung band of sturdy pioneers ■the.;<wig»nai settlers of Omaha passed away yesterda-r mormxig in the parson of Mr. Alexander MeKererie, who died at his resideßce, 13, Berosibrd Street, at the great age of Mr. McEenzie was bom in Nova Scotia and was reared in. an atmosphere in which there ,was no room; for the unfifc.- It ■ was only natural tKat those who sarvived the rigours and hardships inseparable from the early davs in Nova Scotia were of the hardiest *and sturdiest type, and Mr. McKenzie possessed thes'e characteristics to a marked degree. With his brother, the late Captain Kenneth McEenzie, and others who felt that the opportunities in Nova Scotia were too limited, Mr. McKenzie decided to emigrate, and, these companions set about the construction of a. vessel' to take them overseas! The building of the vessel, from keel to truck, was the work of their own hands, and when completed she was a staunch craft ; of 105 tons, and was named the "Spray." ' The venturesome h'ttle party set out from ! Cape Breton for New Zealand about the j year 1857. It is difficult for the present generation, accustomed to the huge liners which ply between the : ; Dominion and the American continent,; to realise the hardships of that voyage, for the Spray was only about the sizo'of the ketch, Rira. After his arrival in New Zealand Mir. McKenzie still followed the oea and also engaged in farming until advancing years compelled his retirement. He is siavived by one daughter, Miss J. McKenzie, Mrs. McKenzie and the remainder of their children having predeceased him. There are several grandchildren. The interment will take ~place at Leigh to-day.