OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21643, 13 May 1932, Page 7

OBITUARY

MRS JOHN JOHNSTON

Another link with the early pioneering days of the colony was broken at the beginning of this month when Mrs John Johnston, of Wellington, passed peacefully to her rest. Mrs Johnston was in her eighty-ninth year, and came to New Zealand from Edinburgh with her parents—Mr and Mrs Andrew Smaill —in the Strathallan in 1858. They settled at “Mayfield,” Inchclutha, Otago. In 1804 Agnes—their only daughter—was married by the Rev. James Kirkland to John Johnston, who, as a boy of nine, had arrived at' Port Chalmers with his parents in the Blundell in 1848—the first year of the settlement. Mr and Mrs Johnston removed from Inchclutha to Wellington in 1907. Much sympathy is felt for Mr Johnston —now 94 years of age —who, after an exceptionally happy married life of nearly 08 years, has lost a companion who had been through the long -years guide, counsellor, and friend. Mrs Johnston was a woman of striking personality, very keen intellect, widely read, and with a very remarkable memory. She was an enthusiastic student of history —both sacred and secular, a loyal supporter of the Presbyterian Church, with an unfaltering trust in God’s never-fail-ing mercies and over-ruling providence. Her capable hands were never idle, and until within a year of her death, when failing health necessitated complete rest, nothing pleased her better than to assist in the preparation of a parcel of warm clothing for the poor. In all the vicissitudes of their early pioneering days and the struggle incident to the rearing and training of a family of II children, Mrs Johnston ever maintained a steadfast faith and trust in God. Her first thought was always for others, and her cheery optimism helped to bring comfort and hope into many lives. She is survived by two brothers —Mr Robert Smaill, Dunrobin, and Mr George Smaill, Balclutha; also four sons, four daughters, eleven grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. MR WILLIAM HANLON Mr William Hanlon, who died suddenly at Dunback on May 5, was born in Dunedin. After leavipg school he was apprenticed to the printing trade with Messrs Mills, Dick, and Co. During his young days he was a member of the Alhambra Football Club’s first fifteen. He left Dunedin when quite a young man, and followed farming pursuits, and for the past 15 years had managed hi a sister’s sheep run at Dunback. Mr Han lon was single, and 04 years of age. MR J. L. CHURCHOUSE The death occurred at Carterton, on Saturday evening, of Mr James Llewellyn Churchousc. president of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, after a trying illness. Mr Churchouse, who was 02 years of age, was born in Auckland in 1870, being a son of Sergeant-major W. R. Churchouse, of the Armed Constabulary. He joined the New Zealand railways in 1900 as a surfaceman, and six years later was promoted to ganger. In 1908 he was elected a delegate to the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants’ Council, and he had represented his branch at their conferences each year since then. In 1926 he was elected president of the society, and had held this position for the past six years. Mr Churchouse was always actively interested in public matters. In various districts he served on borough councils and school committees. He was for nine years a member of the Petone Borough Council, and for 10 years of the Carterton Boi'ough Council. He possessed a genial nature, and was keenly interested in all classes of sport. He is survived by a widow, two sons, and four ( daughters. ,