OBITUARY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2396, 1 February 1900, Page 22

OBITUARY.

Another link in the chain that connects the past with the present in the history of the province has just been broken by the death." of Mr John M'Laren, which event took place at his residence, Howe street, on the 23rd inst. The deceased, who was in his eightythird year when he died, was a native of Lochearn Head, Perthshire, Scotland, andcame to Otago in 1860, and has remained a resident of Dunedin ever since. For many years after his arrival in the province Mr M'Laren was employed by the then stock and station agents and runholders in driving, stock from one part of the province to another, and during- the course of that time must have travelled over the greater part o£Otago and Southland in all seasons of the year. Mr M'Laren afterwards became a cab ju-oprietor in the city, a calling which he followed until five or six years ago. He was popular, and by his universal carefulness in driving and attention to the wants of hisf customers he drew round him a large connection, especially in the north end of the city, where he resided. Air M'Laren, though of a quiet, unassuming temperament, took an in-» telligent interest in current topics, but rarely obtruded his opinions on others unless solicited to do so". He leaves a widow, three daughters, and one son (all of whom are married), and 15 grand-children.

One of the oldest residents of Caversham has just passed away, in the person of William Blackwocd^ He and his family have resided in Caversham for 40 years past, having left the Clyde on the 9th 'June, 1859, and landed in Otago on the 10th September of the same year. His first occupation on landinsr was to lease a quarry, which he carried oii till the Gabriel's Gully rush took place, where he went, with a. party of 12, including James M 'Donald and his brother; to try gold-digging.-After some time at Gabriel's Gully, with more or less success, he started for .Sard Perkins's rush in the Blue Mountains. His career of activity was here brought to a close b/ a severe cold he took, which settled in. his leg, and laid him up for six months. Some time after his return from the Blue Moun? tains he bought a small grocery and bakery business in the Main road, Caversham, in the year 1G65. This business has been carried on. even since by his wife and family. Deceased celebrated his golden wedding last year. He leaves a wife, three sons, six daughters, 42 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.