OBITUARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20332, 13 August 1929, Page 12

OBITUARY.

MRS. A. P. HARSANT.

DEATH AT NINETY YEARS.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON. Monday

The death has occurred at Okete, Raglan, of Mrs. Agnes Pan ton Ilarsant at the, age of 90 years. She was born at Dundee, Scotland, in 1839 and her father, the late Mr. John McDonald, brought his family to New Zealand just 80 years ago. Tho family settled at Tataraimaka, Taranaki, where their homo was burned by the Maoris during tho Maori War, but they had previously removed to New Plymouth. In 1864 Mr. McDonald and his family removed f.o Itaglan, where a few years later Mrs. Ilarsant married Mr. Martin Ilarsant, tho eldest son of the lato Dr. Ilarsant, who was then practising in Raglan. They continued to live in Raglan until Mr. Ilarsant's death about six years ago. Mrs. Ilarsant is survived by a son, Mr. It. Ilarsant, of Okete, and a daughter, Mrs. V. E. Pegier, of Raglan, and six grandchildren. Her youngest brother, Mr. C. E. McDonald, of Kauroa, is tho only remaining member of the family which left Dundee. Until tho tirrio of her death Mrs. Harsant was in possession of all her faculties.

MR. H. W. COCKS. The death has occurred of Mr. Howard William Cocks, aged 40 years, of Ladies' Mile, Rcmuera. Born in London, Mr. Cocks was educated at tho Hamilton Academy, Glasgow, later entering the motor business. He served 'his apprenticeship at tho Argylo_ motor works, Glasgow, and camo to New Zealand in 1908, Mr. Cocks returned to England two years later, and during tho Great War ho joined the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, being chief engineer on a fast motor-boat used for attacking submarines. After tho arnlistice, Mr. Cocks returned to Now Zealand, and was later appointed engineer, to tho Tongan Government. Since his return from Tonga, Mr. Cocks had been in failing health. He was a prominent Mason, being a member of Lodge No. 7, Kilwinning, of the Scottish Constitution. He is survived by his wife and ono child.

MR. G. W. TAYLER

[by telegraph.—own correspondent.] NEW PLYMOUTH. Monday.

Mr. G. W. Tayler, who was the first Mayor of Eltham, and for a great many years took a leading part in the affairs of tho town, died at the Hawera Hospital yesterday, aged 72. Mr. Tayler was born in Brooklyn, United States of America, and came to New Zealand with his parents in the ship Echunpa in 1863, landing at Timaru. Ho was educated at Geraldine, and came to the North Island to take up a clerical position with William Dale, auctioneer and land agent, at Patea. Four years later ho returned to Canterbury, and was engaged in various pursuits there until in 1886 he entered the service of Mr R. A. Adams, and shortly afterwards was sent to Eltham to open a branch of the business. I 1 rom the formation of the borough in ISOI Mr. Tayler gave continuous service as Mayor or councillor. He also represented Eltham on the New Plymouth Harbour Board for a number of years, and on tho Hawera Hospital Board for 20 years. He is survived by his wife.

MR. T. L. WILLIAMS

[BY TELEGRATH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

NEW PLYMOUTH, Monday

Another pioneer settler, Mr. Thomas Landeg Williams, of Pendarves Street, New Plymouth, died on Saturday. •Ho was born in Glamorganshire about 86 years ago. 110 was taken as a boy to Melbourne, and in early manhood was attracted to tho goldfields. On coming to New Zealand he spent somo time on tho Otago gold diggings, until the Maori War was responsible for his moving to Tara naki, which became his permanent- homo He landed at New Plymouth with the Otago military settlors in 1864, and served until the company was disbanded, obtain ing the Maori War medal. He was en gaged at tho sawmill of tho late Mr Henry Brown for somo time, later becom ing an employee of tho Taranaki Lighter Company. lie saw stirring times during stormy weather in the old surf-boats which were in use at New Plymouth until tho breakwater was constructed. One of Mr. Williams' later activities was as diver in connection with tho building of the first wharf. He is survived by a son and two daughters.