OBITUARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20236, 22 April 1929, Page 14

OBITUARY.

MR. MATTHEW SIMS. Recollections of tho very early days of Auckland arc awakened by the death last Friday of Mr. Matthew Sims, of Onehunga, in his 91st year. Mr. Sims arrived at Auckland with his parents on October 10, 1842, by tho Duchess of Argyle* which, together with the Jane Gifford, brought the first organised parties of settle. v s to the district. At 14 years of age Mr. Sims was apprenticed to Mr. Henry Niccols, a shipbuilder, with whom he served five years, followed by another five as a journeyman at Mechanics' Bay. When he was 25 years old Mr. Sims entered business on his own account as a shipwright at Onehunga, wliero he built the Flanct, the first cutter on the Manukau. When Mr. Sims first knew Auckla.id tho Maoris were still troublesome and among his recollections is tho arrival at Mechanics' Bay of a number of natives in angry mood over the arrest of one of their chiefs for some offence. Queen Street in those times was virtually the old Ligar Canal as far up as Victoria Street, where it was spanned by a small bridge. Close by, at the corner of Victoria and Queen Streets, was the gaol, where Mr. Sims witnessed two public hangings. Mr. Sims' wife died 12 years ago. There are nine surviving children out of the family of 11.

LADY NGATA. Lady Ngata, wife of Sir Apirana Ngata, Minister of Native Affairs, whose death occurred last Thursday, was born at Whareponga, East Coast, about 50 years ago. She was the daughter of a leading family of that district, her maiden name being Tamati. She was well educated and fitted for life as a helpmate to her energetic husband, whom she married while he was still at the university. Their first child was born when Sir Apirana Ngata was an articled law clerk in Auckland, and since then there have been 13 other children. Eleven survive to-day. Deceased was the leading lady of the Waiapu Valley and tho tribal hostess for the Ngatiporou. She took an enthusiastic part in social, church and sports associations. She was a remarkably capable woman in many respects and highly esteemed by the pakeha residents, who fully recognise:l her contributions to her husband's success. Lady Ngata's death followed a short illness, due primarily to (he long vigil at tho bedside of Makarini Ngata, her eldest son, who died last week. She refused to place herself under proper care while her presence was needed at. his bedside, and a breakdown followed the sad blow of Makarini's death.

KAMI PUNGA. A survivor of tho siege of Orakau, Kami Punga, aged 70. of Clevedon, died on Friday evening. Of noble birth, Kami was concerned in several of the fights between pakeha and Maori in the \\ aikato and Bay of Plenty. His mother, who is over 90 years of age, is still living at Clevedon.

MR. EDWARD FITZPATRICK. A well-known resident of Pakuranga and an early pioneer in tho district. Mr. Edward Fitzpatrick, aged 82, died on Saturday evening. Mr. Fitzpatrick was born at sea, his father being a sergeant in tho Imperial Fencibles, who arrived with their wives and families at Howick in 1847. At the ago of 15 ho joined the Howick militia and later was in Colonel Nixon's light horse. Ho saw considerable servico in tho Maori Wars and was attached to the relief party which travelled to Whitford when two members of tho Trust family were murdered in 1863. Mr. Fitzpatrick established a reputation as a "crack" shot and secured several prizes for shooting. For Over 60 years Mr. Fitzpatrick occupied a farm adjoining Pigeon Mountain. He always took a keen interest in tho welfare of tho district. Beforo State schools were introduced he was collector of the educational tax in tho district, a position that was far from a popular one. He was chairman of tho Pakuranga Domain Board for 45 years and was primarily instrumental in securing approximately 22 acres, including Pigeon Mountain, as a reserve for the district. Ho was a member of tho local school committee for 21 years and also served for a long term on tho Pakuranga Road Board prior to its merger with tho ManuUan County Council.

Mr. Fitzpatrick was well known as a cricketer and his name will be familiar to tho older generation. He is survived by his wife, formerly Miss B. Finnerty, of Panmuro, and five sons aild one daughter. Two sons, Messrs. Joseph and Desmond Fitzpatrick, aro unmarried and live at Pakuranga. The other children aro Mrs. A. Forsman, of Ellerslie, and Mr. H. Fitzpatrick, of Henderson, and Mr. J. Fitzpatrick, of Onehunga.