OBITUARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20112, 24 November 1928, Page 16

OBITUARY.

MRS. EMMA VERCOE. The death occurred at Birkenhead yesterday of Mrs. Emma Vercoe, aged 85, well-known in the Hclrnsville district, where her husband, the late Mr. Richard James Vcrcoe, was a farmer. Mr. Vercoe, who was born at sea in 1842, and came to Auckland at the agci of five years, was a, prominent member of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, which he joined when 18 years old, and at the time of his death at Grey Lynn, five years ago, was the oldest member of the Fountain of Friendship Lodge. Mrs. Vercoe was the third daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Ilenwood, of Mangere, being born on March 23, 1843, at St. Teath, Cornwall, England, and she came to Auckland in 1857 in the ship Joseph Fletcher. She is survived by a family of nine, and there are 38 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. ' The sons are Mr. James Vercoe, of Te Pua, Mr. Richard Vercoe, of Birkenhead, Mr. Charles Vercoe, of Mount Eden, and Mr. John Vercoe, of Ilelensville. The daughters are Mrs. Frederick Walker, of Wanganui Avenue, TTerne Bay, Mrs. W. R. Entwistle. of Marama Terrace, Birkenhead, Mrs. Harry Mcintosh, of Takanini, Mrs. A. Moncur, of Great South Road, and Mrs. J. Bradley, of lielcnsville.

MRS. ELIZABETH CAENACHAN. The death has occurred of Mrs. Elizabeth Carnachan, aged 93, ail early settler of the Waikato. Mrs. Carnachan was born at Kilpatrick, Scotland, and before coming to New Zealand married the late Mr. David Carnachan, who was attached to the 79th Cameron Highlanders. On retiring from the army Mr. Carnachan decided to bring his wife and family to New Zealand, and they arrived in 1864 in the ship Helen Lee. They settled at Cambridge, occupying the first wooden house in the district. On the outbreak of tlui Maori War in the Waikato, Mr. Carnachan joined the militia, and served throughout the campaign. It was during this time that Mrs. Carnachan won admiration for her bravery and fortitude. She was one of tho very few white women who did not seek the refuge of barracks, and, seemingly without fear, remained alone with her family in her house. Apparently t lie Maoris also respected this bravery, for the Carnachan homestead remained untouched. After tho war Mr. Carnachan established a store, while Mrs Carnachan devoted her spare time to nursing. This occupation took her to many parts of the Waikato, where she became very well known and respected. Mr. Carnachan died seme 30 years ago, and 25 years ago Mrs. Carnachan decided to reside in Auckland, settling in the One Tree liill distr.ct. Up until two and a-half years ago Mrs. Carnachan had not had a single day's illness, but since then she had been confined to bed. She retained all her faculties to tho last. Of 12 children, six sons and three, daughters are living. There are over 50 c;randchildren. 20 great-grandchillrcn, and one great-great-grandchild. The funeral took place at Cambridge.