OBITUARY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3755, 2 March 1926, Page 38

OBITUARY.

Another gap was made in the fastdiminishing band of pioneer settlers by the death of Mrs Sarah Montague, relict of the late Mr Thos. Montague, who peacefully passed away at the residence of her son-in- law Mr H. M'Rae, at St Kilda. on the 18th ult. The deceased lady was bom in County Donegal, Ireland, eighty-four years ago, and arrived in Dunedin in 1865, remaining here until the time of her death. She made the voyage here in the ship Silistria, and on arrival at the Dunedin wharf the passengers had to be carried ashore on the backs of Maoris, as was the custom in those days The deceased lady had 10 children, six of whom survive her—Mesdames R. R. Cameron, II Rae, H. Marshall, Messrs Charles Montague and Michael Montague, of Dunedin, and Mrs C. Campbell of Wellington. There are 27 grand children, and 26 great-grandchildren. Mrs Montague was well beloved by all who knew her, and was always willing to give a helping hand to those m distress. For a great many years she had been an invalid. The death took place recently of Mr Robert Melrose, one of the most widely known residents of the Waipahi district. The deceased gentleman arrived in the Dominion by the Robert Henderson in 1860, and early took up farming in Vair'lina. While there he owned a threshing plant, and his run in the year 1874 extended from Warepa and Kahiku to Waikaka. Some years later he entered into business as a butcher at Waipahi. He was for many years chairman of the school committee and of the (lonian board, and on several occasions served on other committees. He leaves a widow and grownup family. The sudden death occurred on Tuesday morning while on a visit to Chelsea of Mr William Brendon Parsons, aged 55 years, manager of the Auckland branch of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company. lie had just boarded the ferry for the return journey to the city when he collapsed and died. The Rev. J. Kilpatrick, Moderator of the Presbyterian General Assembly, and Mrs Kilpatrick, are at present visiting the North Island. A communication received by us on Tuesday conveyed the information that, through motor difficulties, they had the experience of spending last Friday night in the open, but they reached Waiohau next morning.

The death occurred on the 22nd ult. of Mr James Roberts at his residence, Naughton terrace, Kilbirnie, Wellington (reports our correspondent). He was in his sixty-ninth year, and had been a member of the Railway Department for about 40 years, retiring towards the end of 1918 He was transferred in 1804 from Dunedin to Wellington, where he filled the position o f coaching foreman at Lambton station, and later on at Thorndon station, until bis retirement. The deceased was very favourably knovyn to a large section of the travel- | ling public. He is survived by his widow, 1 four daughters, and two sons. Mrs Janies Stevenson, who died at her ! residence at Tomuka on the 16th ult., was one of the few remaining passengers who came to Otago in the ship “Philip Laing,” arriving at Port Chalmers on April 15, 1848. She was the daughter of the late John Buchanan and sister of the late G. Buchanan, of the Evening Star. The family settled in Dunedin, making their home in Maclaggan street, at that time a very beautiful spot, and a favourite place of residence. There she grew from girlhood to womanhood. She was present at the first service held in the original First Church which was situated where the Stan dard Insurance Offices now stand, then close to the beach. She also went to school in the same building. For some years aftei her marriage she resided in Dunedin, after wards going to Duntroon, where she remained for over 12 years. Leaving there she went to Waimate for a short period, and finally settled in Temuka, where she lived until the time of her death. Mrs i Stevenson was of a bright and cheerful disposition, and took an intelligent interest in all that was going on around her. She was especially interested in the Otago Early Settlers’ Association, and everything connected with the early history of the province. She enjoyed a chat, and could tell many interesting stories about the early days in Dunedin She was loved and respected by all who knew her. Her husband died about seven years ago, and she is survived ny two sons and two daughters Chief Detective T. W. B. Boddam, who was for some time Sub-comissioner of Police in Samoa, and was latterly iu charge of the arms registration and of the stores department, died in Wellington on Friday. The deceased, who had been suffering from ill-health for some months, will be remembered as having been a detective in Dunedin some years ago. A telegram was received by the Prime Minister on Sunday morning conveying advice of the death of the Hon. James Palmer Campbell, M.L.C., of Remuera, Auckland. The deceased was born in Scotland in 1855, and arrived in New Zealand in 1868. After being engaged in business and in farming for some years, he entered the legal profession in 1883 with the firm of Messrs Whitaker and Campbell, and a year later he joined the firm of Messrs Russell and Campbell. In 1893, Mr Campbell moved to YVellington. where he held the presidency of the Wellington District Law Society for some years, returning to Auckland in 1902. During the succeeding 20 years he held many public positions, being chairman of the Piako County Council and the Cambridge Road Board, and in addition he was a member of the Cambridge Domnin Board and various other local bodies. Mr Campbell was called to the Upper House in 1921.