OBITUARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21070, 2 January 1932, Page 12

OBITUARY.

M Ft. DUNCAN H. McKENZIE.

WAIPU'S OLDEST RESIDENT.

[BY TELF.C.n,\rn. —OWN CORHESrONDENT.]

WHANGAIIEI, Friday,

The oldest survivor of the original Waipu settlers, and a most respected, resident of the district, Mr. Duncan Hector McKenzie, died at his homo yesterday, aged 84. Born in Nova Scotia, Mr. McKenzio accompanied his father to New Zealand in the ship Highland Lass, and arrived at Waipu in 1863. As a young man he followed the sea, and became the captain of cutters sailing between Auckland and Waipu, but later was associated with the kauri timber trade in the Northern Wairoa. Shortly after his marriage to Miss Mary McKenzio, about 28 years ago, lie commenced dairyfarming at Millbrook, Waipu, where he remained for the rest of his life.

Mr. McKenzie was one of the foundation members of tho Waipu Caledonian Society, the 61st meeting of which was held to-day. In the earlier days he was one of the most successful competitors in the athletic events. Mr. McKenzie is survived by a widow and two half-brothers, Mr. D. H. McKenzie, chairman of the Waipu Dairy Company, and Mr. Angus McKenzie, now residing in Australia. Two brothers and two sisters predeceased him. MRS. G. R. GILBERT. The death has occurred at her residence, 34, Trafalgar Street, Onehunga, of Mrs. Susan Reynolds Gilbert, wife of Mr. G. R. Gilbert, at the age of 77. The eldest daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Jordan, Mrs. Gilbert was born at Falmouth, Cornwall, and in 1880 she married Mr. Gilbert at Port Nolloth, South Africa. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert came to New Zealand in 1885, arriving at Port Chalmers in the steamer Tongariro. They came to Auckland shortly afterwards and finally settled in Onehunga, where they have resided for 42 years. Mrs. Gilbert was an ardent supporter of the Methodist Church, took a keen interest in the social affairs of the district, and was greatly loved and respected for the philanthropic work in which she was engaged. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert celebrated the golden jubilee of their wedding on March 29, 1930. Mrs. Gilbert is survived by Mr. Gilbert and four sons and four daughters, namely, Mr. T. R. Gilbert,, Mr. C. Rand Mr. J. R.. Gilbert, of Onehunga, Mr. A. P.,. Gilbert, of New Plymouth, Mrs. A. Mawkes, of Rotorua, Mrs. S. Ackerovd, of Whakatane, Mrs. G. Wilding, of Whangarei, and Mrs. E. Irwin, of Onehunga. There are 24 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. MR. J. B. ROWE. [from our own correspondent.] PUKEKOHE, Friday. The death has occurred in Auckland of Mr. James B. Rowe, a resident of Pukekohe during the past 27 years. Mr. Rowe, who was 70 years of age, was a native of Princctown, Devonshire. As a young man he went to Queensland, where he engaged in goldmining. When 26 years of age he landed in Auckland and-for 17 years was in business in Khyber Pass. He then acquired a farm in Albert Street, Pukekohe, which he conducted until May last, when he retired and took up his residence in Tennyson Street, Mount Eden. Mr. Rowe took a keen interest in the Methodist Church, being an official of the Pukekohe circuit for many years. He leaves a widow, two sons and two daughters. MR. THOMAS PARTRIDGE. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TE KUITI, Friday. The death of Mr. Thomas Partridge, one of the earliest pioneers of the Marakopa Valley district, occurred at the Te Kuiti Hospital. The deceased, who was 65 years of age, experienced all the hardships of the early settlers irt an isolated district. He took up a property which he farmed until his death. Mr. Partridge was for many years a director of the Marakopa Dairy Company. He was a keen angler and represented the Acclimatisation Society in the locality. One of his early experiences was as a surveyor of the illfated coastal wreck of the Kiora in 1906, 011 which occasion he received a broken leg and other injuries and was with difficulty transported to Kawhia, for attention. In his younger days the deceased was a well-known feather-weight, boxer. He is survived by his wife, one sou, Mr. T. Partridge, anrl one daughter, Mrs. H. Richards, all of Marakopa.