OBITUARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20324, 3 August 1929, Page 16

OBITUARY.

MR. PETER ROBERTSON.

LINK WITH EARLY AUCKLAND

Born in a house in Queen Street 83 years ago Mr. Peter Robinson died at his residence, Avondalo, on Thursday. Mr. Robertson was one of the sons of another Petor Robertson, who camo to Auckland in 1842, when the city was only two years old, and necessarily in a. very primitive condition. Mr. Robertson, sen., was a baker and confectioner by trade, and established one of the first bakeries in Queen Street, directly opposito the present site of the Ilr.nAr.n olfico. It was while the family were living there that the great High Street fire of 1858 occurred, passing along the other froritof the block, and their home was partly pulled down as a means toward staying the passage of the firo into Queen Stioet. One feature of the Robertson section was a well situated within its borders, which was an integral part of the water supply of early Auckland, families living as far away as Chapel Hill—the neighbourhood of the present Federal Street—coming to it regularly with buckets in which to carry away the necessary domestic quota. Mr. Robertson was born in Auckland and educated at Mr. Gorrie's School, Victoria Quadrant, one of tho leading scholastic institutions of the city prior to tho establishment of State education. After his school days he was in tne employ of Messrs. Close Brothers, who carried on a largo grocery business at the junction of Wellesley Street West and Queen Street, on the eastern corner of what is now tho Civic Square. Later on he purchased tho corn and produce business which had been carried on by a Mr. Belcher. Then, in conjunction with ono of his brothers, he founded tho wholesale business of Robertson Bros. In this he continued in active partnership until a few years ago, when he withdrew, leaving the business to the members of tho family. Since then Mr. Robertson had lived on his property at Avondalc near tho harbourside.

The deceased is survived by his wife and four sons and four daughters. The sons are Mr. Gordon Robertson, of Hemuera; Mr. Benjamin Robertson, of Pukoltohc; Mr. .Tames Robertson, of Avondale ; and Mr. Norman Robertson, of London. The daughters are jTrs. Wylie, of Pa pit tootoe; Mrs. Page, of Mount Albert; Mrs. Hosking, of Pukekohe; and Dr. Susy Buckingham, of Sydnoy.

CAPTAIN N. E. BOWER. News has been received of tho death in England of Captain Norman Elyott Bower, who for many years was a commander and officer in tho New Zealand Shipping Company. Captain Bower was born in Tauranga in 1865, being the son of Captain Maurice Bower, for many years town clerk in Napier. Captain Bower went to sea in 1380, his first ship being the barque Waimea. His whole sea service, with the exception of a short period with the Ducal Lino, has been with the New Zealand Shipping Company. His last' command was the Norfolk. Special recognition was received by Captain Bower when he stood by the Port Hacking, which was in distress on a voyage from New York to Auckland in 19i8. He is survived by 'a widow and a son, who both reside in England.

MR. W. J. WILSON. Tho death has occurred of Mr. William James Wilson, aged 65, who was associated with the growth of the cement industry in New Zealand for several years. Mr. Wilson was born at Warkworth, hoing tho eldest son of the late Mr. Nathaniel Wilson. After serving in tho lime and cement works established by his people at Warkworth he was appointed engineer of the works, later becoming manager. It was largely due to his energy and ability that Wilsons Portland Cement Company was successfully established. On several occasions he was sent abroad bv the company to study tho latest developments in tho cement industry. In 1917 he resigned from the company and practised in Auckland as a consulting engineer. Two years ago ho left for Western Australia to take charge of a cement plant there. Latterly he had been a consulting cement engineer in Sydney and Melbourne. Ho is survived by Mrs. Wilson, who resides at 81, Hinemoa Avenue, Devonport. There are four daughters, Mrs. C. H. Kendon, of Sanson, Mrs. C. H. Wade, of Tokoroa, Mrs. J. Keys, of Remuera, and Mrs. W. Houghton, of Devonport, and three sons, Mr. R. L. Wilson, of Whangarer Mr. C. R. Wilson, of Parakao, and Mr. E. A. Wilson, of Pakotai.

MRS. LUCY SANDIN. Tho death has occurred of Mrs. Lucy Sandin, ono of the Port Albert pioneers. Mrs. Sandin was a daughter of the late Mr. John Becroft, who came to New Zealand with his family in 1862. Mr. Bccroft was the first of 'he Port Albert orchardists. Mrs. Sandin married Captain William Sandin, a well-known trader of the Northern Wairoa district. • She went to live at IlelensviUe, being among tho first whito women to reside in the district. Captain Sandin predeceased his wife 21 years ago Mrs. Sandin was for many years actively engaged in Church work. She leaves a family of one daughter, Mrs. A. J. Beck, of Mount Albert, and four sons, Messrs. E. V., O.T. and C. G. Sandin, all of Helerisville, and Mr. W F. Sandin, of Woodhill.

MR. JAMES HARRIS. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] PUKEKOHE, Fridftj Tho death occurred yesterday of Mr. James Harris, a well-known resident of tho Bombay district, aged 82. Mr. Harris was a native of Cornwall, and came to New Zealand about 50 years ago, landing in Auckland. He resided in tho city for u few years, and then engaged in farming at Pukckohe East. In 1894 ho removed to Bombay, where he purchased tho property known as Baird's Farm, and ho had resided at Bombay since. For several years Mr. Harris was a breeder of Lincoln slieop Later ho engaged in breeding pedigree Jersey cattlo, establishing tho well-known Roslyn herd, lie was recognised as one of the leading breeders in tho province, and was a member for many years of the New Zealand Jersey Cattle Breeders' Association and the Franklin Jersey Club. Ho. was also a member of tho Franklin Agricultural and Pastoral Society. • Mr Harris married Miss Charlotte Mears, daughter of (he late Mr. and Mrs Abraham Mears, of Mount Eden, in 1879. His widow and three sons survive him.