OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22709, 23 October 1935, Page 9

OBITUARY

MR PETER ESKDALE Another of the fast diminishing band of early settlers, Mr Peter Eskdale, passed away at his residence, Tapanui, on October 16. The deceased had been ill for only a week and the end was quite unexpected. Mr Eskdale was born at Smailholm, near Kelso, Scotland, in December, 1856, being the second son of Mr Walter Blake Eskdale, and he arrived in New Zealand on the ship Jura in 1858 with his parents and brother James when only 18 months old. The family settled at Mount Stuart, where Mr Walter Eskdale was employed as a shepherd. Later he took a similar position with the late Captain M'Kenzie, Pomahaka, and after this he started the first butchery business in Tapanui, where he was assisted by his two sons, James and Peter. Mr Peter Eskdale also engaged in shearing and contracting until he bought a farm at Glenkenich, of which he later disposed. While at Glenkenich he was married to Miss Elizabeth Williams. On his mother's death he went to Tapanui and took over her farm, " Clifton Park," where he resided until he sold out some 27 years ago on account of failing health, and bought a small property near Whisky Gully, on which he built a home, and there he resided until his death. He was a member of Lodge Tapanui, M.U.1.0.0.F. His wife predeceased him five years ago, and he is survived by a sister, three brothers, three daughters and 10 grandchildren. The daughters are Mrs A. Bathgate (Crookston), Mrs Coatsworth (Eakaia) and Mrs C. Bathgate (Tapanui). MR JAMES ANNAN The death occurred recently of Mr James Annan, who had been for more than 50 years a resident of the Mackenzie Country. Prior to taking up residence at Kimbell, he was well-known in North Otago. He was born at Shag Point, where he received his education, and was for a long period employed on the Benmore Station. Subsequently, he was connected with the Government Stock Department, and at one time was a guide at the Hermitage in the pioneering days of alpine climbing. Mount Annan, one of the peaks in the middle ranges, is named after him. In his younger days, Mr Annan was a good athlete and an excellent rifle shot, besides being a successful competitor at dog trials. He is survived by his widow and three daughters Mesdames F. Noster (Timaru), F. Miles (Fairlie), and Miss M. Annan (Kimbell). The interment took place at Fairlie, the Rev. J. Mann, Presbyterian minister of Albury, conducting the service. MR C. R. SMITH The death occurred at his residence, Pine Hill Terrace, on Monday night, of Mr Charles Robert Smith, at the age of 71 years. Mr Smith was born in Dunedin in 1864, his parents being Mr and Mrs Charles Smith, pioneer settlers at Port Chalmers. He early professed a desire to enter the teaching profession, and commenced his career as a pupil teacher in the Port Chalmers School. He later taught at Stony Creek, and was subsequently appointed headmaster at Stirling. After a ehort period in which he undertook farming operations, Mr Smith resumed teaching at the Kaitangata School, and then returned to farming pursuits. He was later appointed agricultural, instructor at the King Edward Technical College, a post which he retained until 1924, when he retired. Mr Smith was a foundation member of the Co-operative Dairy Company of Otago, Ltd., serving on the directorate from 1923 until his death, and was also a member of the Otago Electric Power Board for a number of years, when he represented the Palmerston district. At tta general election in 1928 Mr Smith stood as the United Party candidate in the Dunedin North electorate, and polled 2638 votes against Mr J. W. Munro (Labour), who secured 4352. For many years Mr Smith was a loyal office-bearer in the Presbyterian Church,' and on occasions he conducted services himself. Every good cause had his active sympathy and service, and he was widely known for what he was, an upright and sincere man. He is survived by his widow and a family of two daughters, Mrs J. Pearson (Kaikorai), and Mrs J. L. Bell (South Dunedin), and five sons. The eldest son, Oscar Charles, served in the Great War for four years and fell at Passchendaele. LORD PONSONBY (British Official Wireless) (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) RUGBY, October 21. (Received Oct. 22, at 5.5 p.m.) The death has occurred of Lord Ponsonby, who before he was raised to the peerage in the jubilee honours was Sir Frederick Ponsonby. For 20 years he was Keeper of his Majesty's Privy Purse, and before that he served for 20 years in the Households of Queen Victoria and King Edward. Lord Ponsonby was a brother of Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede, who recently resigned the leadership of the Labour Party in the House of Lords.