OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22631, 24 July 1935, Page 9

OBITUARY

SIR JOHN MACFARLAND

MELBOURNE, July 23,

The death is announced of Sir John MacFarland, chancellor of the University of Melbourne. Sir John MacFarland was well known in New Zealand, where every year he spent a month trout fishing in the lakes and rivers. Ho served the university in its highest posts, and was remarkable for Ids ability as an administrator. MRS J. B. FORD (Special to Daily Times) INVERCARGILL, July 23. The death occurred at Invercargill on Sunday of Mrs J. B. Ford, one of Southland’s early pioneers and widow of a noted landholder in the Heddon Bush district. Born at Coldwood, County Galway, Ireland, in 1850, Mrs Ford spent her first 19 years on her people’s estate there. She then sailed for New Zealand to join relatives in this country, and lived for about 18 months in Invercargill, when she married Mr John B. Ford, a well-known contractor of the day. After residing in Invercargill for a few more years, Mr and Mrs Ford went to Heddon Bush, where they were to spend over half a century. Mr Ford bought up large tracts of the Gladfield and Bayswater estates, and for a considerable period was easily the largest landholder in the district. When Mr and Mrs Ford went to Heddon Bush the land was in its native state, and much had to be done before it could be made productive Mr Ford died about seven years ago and two years and a-half later Mrs Ford retired to live at The Rocks, RiVerton. There she spent the last few years, active, alert and still taking a keen interest in world She possessed a remarkably keen mind and an attractive nature, so that it is not surprising that throughout her long life she was beloved not only by her family, but also by a large circle of friends. Her health was excellent until about a year ago, when it gradually began to fail. Of her family of nine Mrs Ford is survived by her daughter, Mrs J. Hanley, and three sons, Messrs J. B. Ford, J. M. Ford and E. C. Ford, all of whom reside in Southland. MR ROBERT BORTHWICK It was with deep regret that the many friends of Mr Robert Borthwick, in the Akatore Coast, Taieri Beach and Milton districts learnt of his death in Dunedin last Thursday week. He was a widely-known and very esteemed farmer. Beginning in a small way, he gradually acquired and developed by hard work one of the best farms in the coast district. His thorough practical knowledge of farming, combined with his knowledge of stock, contributed in no small degree to his success. He will be greatly missed by a very wide circle of friends, and their sincere smpathy will go out to his widow and family in the bereavement they have suffered.