OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23043, 20 November 1936, Page 7

OBITUARY

MR J. B. A: HUGHES Mr Abdy Hughes, whose death occurred in Christchurch Hospital early this month, was well known in the early days in and around the Palmerston and Dunback districts. He was the son of the Rev John Bickley Hughes, M.A., and was educated at Blundell's School, where his father was headmaster. This school was the scene of the opening chapters of R. D. Blackmore's story " Lorna Doone." Mr Hughes's father later accepted the charge of Staverton Parish and became Dean of Totnes. Before coming to New Zealand Mr Abdy Hughes was in the railway general manager's office at Bristol. He came out to New Zealand with his brother, landing at Lyttelton and walking over the Port Hills to Christchurch. Soon after his arrival Mr Hughes received an appointment in the New Zealand Railways, being stationed at Waitati, Palmerston and Dunback. Whilst at Dunback he became well known as a singer of Devonshire songs and was in demand at all concerts. Upon leaving Dunback he was stationed at Gore, later transferring to the Stock Department. He took a great interest in church affairs, being licensed by the late Bishop Nevill as a lay reader of the Church of England, and for many years, until- his removal to Glenpark, was superintendent of the Sunday school. Whilst at Glenpark he was able to resume his boyhood hobby, fishing, and, although he never landed any outsize > fish, was never happier than when he had a rod and line in his hand. From Glenpark he was transferred to Oamaru and from there to Rangiora. On his transfer to Rangiora he was appointed a fields supervisor in the Department of Agriculture, being in charge of the first of the department's agricultural plots at Belfast, and he supervised the erection of the Agricultural Department's bay at the Winter Shows during the years the department had an exhibit. Mr Hughes was an authority on noxious weeds, and after his retirement on superannuation from the department he received specimens for identification from all over New Zealand. During his 25 years' residence in Rangiora he took a keen interest in cricket and played at one time for Rangiora. He was able to revive his interest in the church, and was for some years superintendent of the Sunday school at St. John's, as well as a lay reader up to the time of his death. He is survived by his widow, one daughter, Mrs K. Young (England), and one son, Mr J. Hughes (Durtedin). MRS JAMES HORE The death occurred on November 8 of one of the pioneer settlers of Central Otago in the person of Mrs James Hore, at the age of 88 years. Mrs Hore was a daughter of the late Mr Joseph Lewis, merchant, of Bodmin, Cornwall. She received her education-at a girls' college in Cornwall, and, after her marriage to the late Mr James Hore, she resided in Cornwall for a few years, and then came to New Zealand in 1869 in the ship Northumberland. She settled in Naseby with her husband, who became engaged in gold mining operations arid, later, in pastoral pursuits. Mrs Hore finally spent her years of retirement in Mornington, and later at St. Clair. 1 She was of an extremely hospitable nature, and had great personal charm. S?,»s is survived by seven daughters—Mrs H. Ball (St. Kilda), Mrs Alexander Campbell (St. Clair), Mrs J. V. Johnston (Auckland), Mrs A. E. Inder (Christchurch), Mesdames T. Brown and C. Lowery (Invercargill), and Mrs Russell TregOnning (Waipiata)—and two sons—Mr J. J. Hore (Tokarahi) and Mr F. E. Hore (Kyeburn). MR JAMES M'GILL The very large attendance at the funeral of Mr James M'Gill, which took place on Thursday, testified to, the great respect in which he was held throughout the Waikouaiti district. The Rev. T. W. Potts and members of the Masoni. fraternity officiated at the gravesjde. Mr M'Gill was born at Waikouaiti in 1863, and received his education at the local school. After working for several years on his father's farm. Mr M'Gill purchased the first tractor seen in the district, and a grain threshing plant, and worked it for many years among the grain-grow-ing farmers. The Macraes Gold Mining Company also engaged him and his engine in driving the crushing plant. When Messrs Stronach, Morris and Co. decided to open a branch office at Waikouaiti Mr M'Gill was chosen as their representative, and continued in that position for some years. After the closing of the firm's office Mr M'Gill led a more or less retired life until his appointment as secretary to the local Racing Club, a position he held until very recently. Mr M'Gill was the only surviving member in the district of the old Waikouaiti Masonic Lodge, and was a charter member and W.M. and secretary of Lodge Karitane. He was. also a member of Loyal Prince Alfred Lodge of Oddfellows. The Early Settlers' Association also claimed his interest, and he was nresident for many years and a leader at the annual gathering. As a member and chairman of the County Council, a Borough Councillor, and member and chairman of the Domain Board, his services were in frequent demand. Mr M'Gill married Miss Puddy, and had a family of seven daughters and one son. i