DEATH AT 92 YEARS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22188, 15 August 1935, Page 12

DEATH AT 92 YEARS

MR. J. B. WELSH OLD THAMES IDENTITY I " [dv telegbxph—OWN correspondent] THAMES. Wednesdtr > The death occurred to-day of Mr. John -Blair Welsh, aged 92 years, who, it is is the oldest of the remaining early Thames settlers. Mr. Welsh led a roaming life .daring his early years, and spent some time at sea. Ho came to New Zealand while still a young man, landing at Auckland. He was engaged in mining at Thames shortly after the discover? of gold there, being among the first batch of minerft to arrive on the field f when it was opened in 1867. He later.. went to Waihi, and was subsequently engaged in bufihfelling in the ranges behind Paeroa. He continued to lead an adventurous existence until about a quarter of a century ago, when he settled at Thames. He became a prominent member of the Salvation Army, and was well known for many years as standard bearer, a position that he filled until recently. Mr. Welsh retained his faculties in a remarkable way. He could bear well, and" did not need to use glasses. His wife died se**". eral years ago.