MIDDLEMARCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23970, 20 November 1939, Page 12

MIDDLEMARCH

Obituary By the death of Mr William George Jones, sheep farmer, of Matarae, at the age of 84 years, the Strath-Taieri district has lost one of its oldest residents. Born at Preston. England, he arrived in New Zealand with his parents in the ship Gala in the year 1860. After his arrival in the colony, his father was engaged in various pursuits, but finally established a carrying business in the Kaikorai Valley, which was carried on later by his three sons. About 54 years ago land was being thrown open for settlement in the Strath-Taieri district, and Mr Jones secured one of the earliest selections at Ngapuna, near Middlemarch, which he developed and farmed successfully' for many years. About 30 years ago he disposed of his property at Ngapuna and took up a sheep run at Matarae. Mr Jones was an expert rifle shot, and older residents can remember when the five Jones brothers challenged any five men in the province at the rifle range. He was a .keen athlete and was one of the original members of the Strath-Taieri Caledonian Society and also of the StrathTaieri Agricultural and Pastoral Society. He wrs elected a life member of both societies many years ago. He leaves a widow and three sons, Messrs W., A. and J. Jones, all of whom are engaged in farming in the StrathTaieri district.