OBITUARY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3040, 19 June 1912, Page 70

OBITUARY.

MR MACKENZIE HANNING

On Thursday, June 9, there passed away at the Duncdin Hospital Mr Mackenzie Banning, well known and highly respected in the Owaka and surrounding districts. Mr Hanniug was only in his prime, but internal diseases laid hold of him some two months ago, and although he was treated at tho Dunedin Hospital, where the best medical men attend, he finally succumbed. His remains wore laid to rest in the Owaka Cemetery on Sunday, Juno 9, amid much sorrowing. The burial service was conducted bv Mr Petrie (Anglican Church), and there was also a service by the Oddfellows, of whom he was a member. The late Mr Hanning was born at Owaka, where the family resided for many years. Ho was the second youngest son of the late Captain Hanning, who was lost at sea in ti. Huon Belle, I think, no one surviving to tell the tale. Most of the sons of the family had a liking for the sea, and one or two brothers have been drowned at sea. The last one to be lost was William Hanning, a daring and skilful seaman, who was knocked overboard in Foveaux Strait whilst running fish from Stewart and surrounding islands to tho Bluff. Mr Mackenzie Hanning was on board at the time, but could do nothing to save his brother, as a gale was blowing and a high sea running. Soon after the loss of his brother Air Mackenzie Hanning gave up the sea, and returned to Owaka, where he worked on the railway bridge at Houipapa, under the late Mr Barker (for Anderson and Co. Lyttelton), mostly in pile-driving and carpentering. When that bridge was finished he went to one on the Taieri; then up to Christchurch, whore he learned the carpentering trade. While in Christchurch he married a Miss Drain, formerly of Owaka. Work growing a bit slack in Cnristehuroh, Mr Hanning once more journeyed Owakawards, where he very soon obtained employment at the sawmills, being at Houipapa with Mr William Gwyn for about a year and a-half. A splendid worker he was, especially with the' saw and axe. About two years ago some new bush land was opened for selection by the Government near Kahuika, and Mr Hanning secured one of the best ot those sections, and about 18 months ago he moved his wife and family on to it. Here he worked very hard in keeping the home supplied and in preparing the land for grass, etc. His last work in carpentering was the building of the Kahuika Hall, which 'he finished just t:etore ho was taken ill with an internal malady, from which he never recovered'. Like many other" Catlins settlers, his capital was his health and strength only, atid now that he lias gone his wife and family of four young children are left totally unprovided for. Very much sympthy is felt throughout the district for the young sorrowing wife, and for his mother, who now lives at Kahuika. A kindly-dispositioned man, an untiring worker, whom all liked and many loved, has gone forever from our midst; but we hope to meet again on that bright and golden shore.—Contributed by an admirer.