OBITUARY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2652, 11 January 1905, Page 30

OBITUARY.

THE LATE MR WILLIAM KEITH, J.P.,

WINTON.

Yet another veteran settlor is laid to rest. Mr William Keiih, of Woodbine. Winton, cue of thr best-known and most highlyesteemed of Southland's public men, had, about a year ago, to lay ' aside his many customary activities in consequence of failing health, and although he received the b&sfc medical skill, along with the most careful nursing, the deceased gentleman gradually sank, and passed peacefully away shortly after midnight last Sunday week. Mr William Keith, wlk was born in Aberdeenshire, in the famous year which saw Britain emancipate "hei plantation slaves, came of a very old Scottish historical family, having bean a direct descendant of Sir William Keith, Hereditary 'Marshal of Scotland. It is noteworthy that the Marischal College of Aberdeen and the University of that city were founded' by a Keith, j.t tihe latter of which our late townsman* x and his brother, Dr Alexander Keith, of Aboyne, were educated. Tn the year 1858 the deceased married Miss Mary Anderson, daughter of Captain Anderson, of the British army, a Waterloo hero, and soon afterwards Mr a.nd Mrs Keith sailed in the ship Three Bell 3 for New Zealand. Landing in Dunedhi on July"2o of the same yeai,' iihey remained there for a few years. They then came to Southland,' where Mr Keith "bought land and engaged in farming. He always took an active interest in local affairs. He was one of the first who inaugurated the Road Board. He also spent much time in personally superintending road-making in the Winton Riding." In church matters he was ever active in promoting improvements, and was one of the first elders of the Presbyterian Church who moved to have the present church built. The ground for the manse was selected by Mr Keith. In later years he became, and remained until his death, a warm supporter of the local Anglican Church. Mr Keith also cook a prominent part in school matters, and was chairman of the committee for many years and interested himself in choosing the siteand pushing ahead the erection of the original portion of the present public school While chairman of the- committee he was the means of getting the playground now known as "the triangle " oponedi as an additidn to the school glebe and at his own expense had it cultivated. The deceased had the honour of being the first holder of the Governor's Commission as justice of the peace in the Winfon district. He frequently sat on the bench, and discharged his duties in that capacity with marked ability. As regards pastimes, it should be noted that he was one of the oripinafoi-i of the Winton Caledonian sports, of which society^ he was president^ for many years. In A. and P. show matters he took a very prominent part, more especially since the inception of the Winton grain pud producp show, of which he was one of the original promoters, and he remained a member of it until his denrse. We might al^o «ay ha was the beginning: and ending of the Farmers' Club in Winton. an their meetings have been discontinued since his failinghealtth prevented bis attending them.

I Ploughing matches and everything calcuI lated to create a healthy rivalry amongst ' the young always received his warm support. In short, the district has suffered a severe loss in the removal from amongst us of Mr William Keith, one of Southland's oldest and most respected residents. His was especially a busy and useful life. A man of sterling qualities, far above any mean action whatsoever, well read, with an excellent grasp of political affairs, he faithfully served his day and generation. He was predeceased by his wife nearly three months ago. He is survived by a grown-up family of three sons and four daughters. It is worthy of notice that Mr Keith was one of the original trustees of the Winton / Cem«tery Trust, and, as s\vch, he arranged for the selection of the present cemetery ground, where he himself has at length, in the natural course' of events, found a sepulchre, and whore also the partner of his joys and sorrows lies sleeping her last long sleep. The funeral took place on the 4th. After a short but impressive service had been held in the homestead by the Rev. W. 0. Wood, vicar, of Winton, m the presence of a small gathering of relatives and more intimate friends of the family, -including Sir Joseph Ward, the mortal remains of Mr William Keith were conveyed to the „ hearse in waiting. The funeral p'roces-sion -was then formed, and wended its melancholy way from the farm to Meldrum street, and along the Great North road to the Winton Cemetery. The chief mourners present were the undernoted relatives of the deceased : —Mr William Keith, Mr James A. Keith, Mr John W. Keith (sons), Mr- A. E. Otway (son-in-law), Mrs Wilmott, Mn Otway, Mrs M'Leod and Miss Keith (daughters). Immediately behind came a. conveyance bearing Sir Joseph Ward, Masters Cyril and Vincent Ward (his sons), Mr B. M. Wilson (private secretary), Mr J. M'Lean (of Caroline, member of the Southland Land Board), and Mr C. D. Moore (Mayor of Winton). Then followed a number of residents of Winton ■and farmers from the district who had come to contribute a last sad token of respect to tihe memory of the departed Arriving at the- cemetery, the cortege was met by the officiating clergyman, the Rev. W. 0. Wood, and a solemn procession, in which Sir Joseph Ward took part, then proceeded "to the graveside, where the comprehensive and impressive burial service" of the Church of England wag feelingly read. The last sad rites were witnessed by a large concourse of people and numerous wreaihs and other messages of sympathy were received by the family. The members of the Winton Caledonian Society, of which deceased was &< most active and painstaking member from its inception, being unable to send a. wreath in time for the funeral, have resolved to offer to the family some more permanent tribute to the memory of the deoeased. ' -v

•There passed away at her daughter's resildenee, Waiau, on Friday last, after a long and 'painful illness, another old and re- > speeted identity in the person of Elizabeth Grey, relict of the late' Georee Grey, aged 69 years Born in Yorkshire, England, -deceased came to the colony in '55 with her parents. Mr and ' Mrs John Petchell. and settled at Molyneux. After her marriage she went to Riverton with her husband, and took up land at Longwood. After her husband's death Mrs l Grey. with her family, took up land at the Waiau. and resided there up to her death. Deceased, who was well known and beloved by many for her kindness and hospitality, leaves a grown-up family of live sons and th'-ee daughters.

The Southland Times reports the death of Mr Thomas Gray Shand, head master of the- Limehills School. He had been in indifferent health of late, but nothing serious was anticipated. The immediate cause of death was heart disease. Mr Shand was a native of Aberdeenshire. and came to New Zealand, with his parents, in the ship Maori in 1852. His father, the late George Shand. immediately engaged in farming pursuits in the Taieri, and at one time owned considerable landed property in that district, being also largely interested in sawmilling. The deceased came to Southland. about 25 years ago, and managed the late Mr John Shand's sawmill at Centre Bush for about 10 years. Since that time he has filled the position of schoolmaster at Forest Hill, Fernhills, and Limehills. In his early days Mr Shand took a keen interest in Volunteering, holding the position of captain in the East Taieri Rifles, and latterly he was largelyinstrumental in organising the Winton Rifles, in which he was a lieutenant. The deceased, whose wife died -five years ago, is survived 'by two daughters and four sons.

A well-knqwn identity of Romahapa, Mr John Watt, passed away at his residence on Monday at the age of 63 years. Deceased had 'been in business as a blacksmith .at Romahapa since the early days of the settlement, and was * widely and favourably known.

The Southland Times of - the 4-th -inst. says f — J\Tsfc over the- threshold _cf a new year there passed away on Monday at his old homestead, Woodbine, Winton, Mr William Keith, a very early settle* in that district, and, until failing health limited Jiis pow-ers, orominent in nil matters affecting its welfare. Mr Keith, who was a native of Aberdeenshire, has been many years in Usew Zealand, and was a mest successful fanner. He was a strong supporter of tiie local A. and P. Sncictv. and almost constantly an office-holder therein. He was, during nearly the whol» of its existence, a member of the Makarsw» Road Board, row long merged into the county, and at the time of his death was a member of the West Winton River Board. Mr Keith also took a great interest in politics, and wa« during recent years spoken of as a probable nominee the Legislative Council. He had long held the Commission of the Peac~ with credit to himself and to the bonpfiiof hi? district. Mr Keith, who -had passed his 71st vcar. had brr^n scriou'lv ill for a cons'doraHe- timi-e. His wifo d'ed but a few weeks ago.

The news of thp death of Mr William Hood G.vw, late of the New Zealand railway service, \vh i p-.ssed a^vatr at Howick fAiicklpnd) on Monday last will bo regretted not only by rai'wcy servants throughout the colony, but also by a large section of the e'enfial public tlio deceased gentleman being highly esieemed hy all who knew him. Ifr Gaiv wa« born in Ayrshire (Scotland) hi ISiC, educated at the Glasgow 1-Ti^h Scho&l, and was brought up to mo'-cnnti'o life. He came to Toit Cbf'.mers in 1871 by the ship "Wild Deer, and after ensagine: in formine for a tirve he jo : ned the railway seivice in 1H74 as clf>rk i" *h" gorcls di-rartitient at Dunedin undpr Mv Conyers. M> Gavr displav-sd remar'taWe obililv "i rai'way work, and he gained rapid promotion in

the service. In 1878 he was transferred a& goods agent to Christchurch, where he remained until 1883, when he was appointed tiaffic manager at tnvercargill, whence he was transferred to ODttnedin in a similar capacity. After holding the position of traffic ma-nager m Christchurch for a time Mr G-aw was appointed traffic superintendent at Dunedin, and a ieyr years ago he was transferred to Wellington as chief traffic manager for the colony. Some time ago Mr Craw's health gave way, and he was granted leave of absence, but eventually he found it necessary to resign. The deceased gentleman was one of the ablest officers the Railway Department possessed, and his kindly manner made him a warm favourite with all his subordinates. Mr E. H. Lough, town clerk of Timaru since the establishment of the borough in 1868, died on Saturday afternoon, aged 71 years. Before taking up the position of town clerk Mr Lough was for four years e'-erk to the Levels Road Board. He arrived at Lyttelton in 1854 in the ship North Jrieet. The cause of death was a strangulated hernia. Dr Ogstcn, District Health Officer, visited Wsiikouaiti on^'VYednesc'kiy in connection -With, a drainage matter, and will leave Dunedin on, Friday with Inspector Gladstone to pay an, extended visit to the Otago goldfields andl lake district. Mr Jas. Temple Fisher, who was Post-master-general in the Grey Mraistry, died on the 4th inst. aged 76 years. He wa sa native of Sandwich, Kent, and before coming to Lyttelton in the Charlotte Jane served for several years in the British navy. He took \vp fanning at Heathcote, Canterbury, which, constituency he represented for a number of years. He leaves seyen sons and one daughter, all married. One 1^ son, Mr W. S. Fisher, is clerk at the Cliidstchunch Magistrate's Court. Probate was granted at Hobart in th» estate of the late George Adams, the sweep promoter, which was valued at £130,000 per-, sonality. ' Another of the fast-decreasing band of oldidentities died in Mosgiel on the 30th December m the person of Mrs Murray, relict of the late Mr E. S. Murray, of Murrayville, Puerua. The deceased was the eldest daughter of the late Mr J. S. Young, of Pleasant Valley, and. arrived in Otago with her parents by the Lord "Worsley, the first drrect steamer from London to Otago, on the 2nd of October. 185 S. She was married to Mr R. S. Murray in 16G2, and took her part in pioneering in Merton, North-Eadt Valley, and Shag Valley, and tome 18 years ago settled at Puerua. when her husband died. During the past year Mrs Murray leased her farm and lived in Mosgiel. Of a aaturally retiring disposition, the deceased lady was only inti,mately known to her frierds and family, to whom she was- a devoted friend and mother , and by whom her sterling worth was reccgrased. She "leaves behund a family of two sons and four daughters — viz.. Mr A". L. Murray (of Seadown), Mr E. Murray" (clerk of police in this town). Mrs J. J. Ramsay (of Omakau), Mrs L. Stswart (of Waitapeka), Mrs. A. P. Farrell (of Pahiatua), and Miss Murray (of Morgiel). The funeral took place at Puerua on the 2nd inst., and was attended by a numbar of friends and lelatives.

A Timaru message states that Mr Edward Acton, of Pleasant Point, one or the oldest of South Canterbury settlers, died on "Wednesday niglit, after a lingering illness;' aged 71. Deceased took an active purt in public life for many years, and was greatly esteemed for his, many sterling qualities.

The Evening Post states that a sudden death occurred in Brougham drive, . Wellington, on Thursday evening, when Mrs Frannes Jane Willson, 67 years of age. died at the house of her daughter Mrs Edwards. Deceased belonged io Dunedin, and went to Wellington about six months ago. Whilst sitting on the verandah about 5.30 s-he suddenly became faint and fell off her chair. Dr Logan was summoned immediately, but hi? efforts were without avril. Mrs Willson had fen- some time been suffering from heart disease.

Mr William Sinclair, who has b?en a resident in Dunedin for some 47 years, died very suddenly at the residence of his daughter (Mrs Wilkie in Dundas street), on Sunday morning. Mt Sinclair, who was in his eighty-ninth year, had recently been under medical attention for the usual infirmities coin sequent on his advanced age.

The late Mr David Hay. who dieS at his residence. Roslyn. on New Years Day, was superannuated from the Customs Department about a. year ago. after serving in the department -for 40 yesrfs. the last 14 years of which had bseu filled in the Divnedin office. The deceased, who leaves a wife" and family of seven to mourn their los?, was buried with Salvation Army nnd Masonic rites.

A private cablegram was received on Monday announcing; the death on Sunday nighfe of Mr Montagu Charles Lamb Pvm. for some years a i>ppular and inspected business man in Dunedin. Mr Pym. who was about 55 years of asre, was born in "Bedfordshire. England, and was descended from the olo? family who plavod such a nroniinent part in the days of Cromwell. He came out to the colony under engagement as paymaster to Messrs Broaden a.nd Co., who had entered '"nto a contract with the New Zea'andf Government for the construction of certain, lines' of raihvav and the introduction of a number of immigrants. After being stationed some time in Wellington Mr Pym. removed to Invcrc--rjfill, and later on came to Dun-rdin. While here he was married -to Miss Clayton.! daughter of the New Zealand Government architect, and sister to Lady Vdorel. and some months later took a trip with his wifo to the Home Country. "Ho l'etuviißcl to the colony about 1874. and after spending some months in Wellington ho again came to Dunedin, whore he commenced business «s an auctionr-er and land agent.. His genial, sunny nature made him a host of friend?, and h-p soon cot together a Hi-'ivinc; bn«in r ss. The collapse of the lanrl boom \n Du.i^din we? almost coinci^ont with the hesr'-nninsr of the boom in Melbourne, smd he decided to Ihir-w in his lot with ' thf. land of the golden fleece." Just prior to his departure ho was entertained ata firewrl] dinner at the Grand Hotel on Juno 2.3. 1838, Sir R. Stout (the present Ciiof Justice) occupvin? tW clnir. and Mr G. L. Denniston the vice-chair. Mr Pym became a member of the Melbourne Stor-k "Exchange, and was «oon elected one of the cpmnw'ttoe. His business prospered for some tinw. and some fpw^ years ago he paid a, brief visit 1o Dunoclin. Of late, unfortunately, his hcaK.h broke dotin. and eyontnnlly he bad to enter a prhate hospital. He spoilt some months <there and ' had aoparPiHv greatly improved in b»olth, but h" had. a relapse, and ho hail again to enter a private hospitaJ, where he died en P-unday evening. Gfiv'ai, kinrlhearted, and vot a shrewd, keen -sighted btmn©?s marij his many fri^n^s in Dunedin will regret to hear of h ; <= early death. He Icnv-cj? a ' widow and four cli'ldr-en, with whom groat sympathy will be felt.