OBITUARY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3829, 2 August 1927, Page 28

OBITUARY.

A message from Christchurch announces the death of Mr Harman P. Finemore, aged 67. a well-known merchant. A London cablegram announces the death of the Rev. Frederick G. G. Jellicoe, brother of Viscount Jellicoe, at the aged of 69 years. A message from Gisborne announces the death of Mr Robert Atkins, a farmer of I'atukai, a survivor of the Poverty Bay massacre. _ “ The death is announced or bister Catherine Belcher, at one time sub-matron of the Southland Hospital, a position which she was compelled to relinquish owing to ill-health. The death of Dr Boxer. C.M.G., a former president of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, was referred to at the meeting of the executive of the Dunedin Association last week, and the meeting adjourned for five minutes as a mark of respect to his memory. The death of Private M. J. Murphy was also reported. The death occurred at Foxton on Thursday afternoon of the Rev.‘lloni Teri Paerat-, aged 68. The deceased was educated at Te Ran College, Gisborne, and was ordained minister of the Anglican Church. For many years he was stationed in Wairarapa. He was a grandson of the famous ‘Ngatiraukawa chief, Te Paerata, who was associated with Rewi at Orakau. The death occurred in Auckland on Sunday. July 24. of Mr David Cormack, aged 77, a pioneer of the Otago district and latterly a resident of Cambridge. Mr Cormack engaged in mining in the south for some years after his arrival in New Zealand. Shortly before his retirement 12 years ago he managed several hotels. Ho then settled at Cambridge with his wife, and had since live*! alternately at Auckland and in the Waikato.

A heavy toll of the old identities of North Otago has been exacted during the last few weeks. The latest death reported is that of Mrs Ann Rosie at the age of 77 years. The deceased, who was born in Edinburgh, arrived at Port Chalmers by the ship Otaki in 1879. She and her husband camo to Oamaru soon after their arrival. Mrs Rosie has resided here ever since. Mr Rosie, who was a stonemason, and who worked on the woollen factory and the original Waitaki Boys’High School building, died about 40 years ago. The deceased, who was an active member of St. Paul’s Church, is survived by three sons and two daughters. Mr John 'Whitley Comber, who died in Auckland on July 24, was born in Shoreham. Sussex, in 1852. He migrated to New South Wales at the age of 3/), and was in business as a storekeeper in several country settlements. He came to Auckland in 1898. and served for a period on the staff of the Direct Supply Company. Later, he was for 15 years an employee of A. J. Entrician and Company, retiring a few years ago. Mr Comber is survived by his wife, one son (Mr D’Arcy Comber, of Gisborne), and one daughter (Mrs M'Givary, of Dun-

edin) . The funeral of the late Mr James M'Conncll took place on Tuesday afternoon. The cortege left Holy Cross Church, St. Kilda, for the Anderson’s Bay. Cemetery, after a service had been conducted by the Rev. Mr Wingfield, 'rhe funeral was largely attended by representatives of the Orphans’ Club, the St. Kilda Borough Council, the Sons and Daughters of Temperance, and many personal friends of the deceased. The service at the graveside was conducted by Mr Wingfield and officers of the Sons and Daughters of Temperance Friendly Society, of which the late Mr M'Connell was a very active member.

At the last meeting of the Taieri Agricultural Society feeling reference was made to the death of Mr George Gordon, a life member of the society. Mr Gordon had been, up to the time of his illness, one of the most enthusiastic members over a period of 25 years. He filled the presidential chair for several periods, and was a member of the committee for 23 years. On the motion of the president (Mr Gordon Duthie) members stood in silence for a few moments as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased. The secretary was instructed to forward a letter of sympathy to the bereaved widow and family. The death occurred on the steamer Maheno. en route for Sydney, on July 23 of Mr D. D. Rankine, a well-known

broker of the East. The deceased came to New Zealand a few weeks ago on account of the serious illness of his wife in Dunedin. lie arrived about a fortnight before his wife died, and was on his journey back to Singapore when lie succumbed to malaria. The late Mr

Rankine was for some years representative of the shipping firm of Burns, Philp, and Co. in the South Sea Islands. He was a brother-in-law of Mr David Dunn, of Oamaru, and left this town last week He leaves considerable property in the East. The Reaths arc announced of two Wellington residents who had been identified with the city’s growth from early days, Mr James Martin and his wife, both at the age of 84 years. The death of Mrs Martin occurred on Saturday, and was followed some 54 hours later by that of her husband, in eaeji case after a short illness. In spite of their advanced age, both were active physically and mentally to the last. During the building of the Rimutaka railway Mr Martin was in charge of some of the construction work there. .He afterwards acted as secretary of the Wellington Bus Company until the buses were superseded by the electrical tramway installation, and was on the staff of the corporation tramways until his retirement some six years ago. The death occurred at Rodney street, Invercargill, on July 10 of William Young/ at the ripe age of S 3, one of Southland’s pioneer settlers. The deceased was born in Perthshire, (Scotland, and came to New Zealand when a lad of 16 with his parents in the ship Robert Henderson, landing at Port Chalmers in October, 1861. He worked for some years on the station of the late Mr M'Nab, Knapdale, afterwards acquiring land on feis late father’s farm at Hedgehope, Which he farmed successfully for many

years. He had Jived a 'retired* life in Invercargill for nearly 20 years. Mr Young married Miss Jessie M’Leod. who predeceased him 81 years ago. There were eight children, one daughter dying in childhocd and one son being killed in the late wA.r. There are five, children remaining to mourn their loss. The late Mr Patrick Carran, who died at his home in Dunedin on July 26, landed m Dunedin from Ireland at the age of 21, and went to Greenfield as an agricultural labourer. Not having had the advantage of seeing much agricultural work, it was astonishing the way in which he adapted himself to anything and everything in connection with farm work. Of a retiring disposition and good nature, he was a favourite with everyone. Honesty aii'l conscientiousness were outstanding features in him. After 20 years’ faithful ■ service on Greenfield his services were secured by Mr G. H. Oatway, manager of the Buckeye Harvester Company, as an expert, and then he joined the firinjof Messrs W. E. Reynolds and Co., as storeman, a position which he retained until his death. A man who would always do anyone a good turn, but never a bad one, the memory of Pat (as he was familiarly called) will long be cherished by all who knew him.

The death occurred on July 22, at his residence in Ross street, Roslyn, of Mr Charles Columb, at the age of 89. The deceased was born at Gowna, then known as Scrubby Rocks, County Cavan, Ireland, and, after serving six years with Todd, Burns, and Co., Dublin, he sailed for New Zealand in the Helenslee, arriving in Dunedin in September, 1863. In December of that year he joined Messrs Herbert, Haynes and Co., and remained in their employ for 59 years, until he retired from active employment. Mr Charles Cohunb was looked upon as one of the few remaining of the earliest settlers of Dunedin, and during his lifetime earned the esteem and respect of all his associates. In 1869 he was married to Helen Walsh, of Edinburgh, who predeceased him in 1900. He is survived by two sons and a daughter. The death occurred in Auckland on July 23 of Mrs J. J. Pryor, at the age of 78 years, after a brief illness. The late Mrs Pryor was one of the oldest residents of Dunedin, having come out to New Zealand 72 years ago, when she was six years of age. During the recent Exhibition she was one of the three ladies entertained by the directors in recognition of the fact that they were the only residents in Dunedin who had seen the three exhibitions held in Otago. Mrs Pryor lived in Dunedin for the whole of the time that she was m New Zealand, making brief trips to Auckland. where some of her family had settled. It was on one of these occasions that her death occurred. She had gone to Auckland to escape the vigours of the southern winter. While in Dunedin she lived with her daughter, Mrs H. E. Barth, of Roslyn. Her husband predeceased her by about 22 years. She is mourned by a family of three daughters and two sons, and also by a large circle of friends, among whom are numbered the oldest and most highly esteemed identities of the city. The family is as follows: —Mrs Barth "(Dunedin), Mrs Bell Scott (Arapuni), Mrs E. Johnston (Auckland), Mr Charles Pryor (Auckland), and Mr Thomas Pryor (Timaru). By the death of Mr John Miller at Abbotsford, at the age of 85, Central Otago loses one of its earliest pioneers. The late Mr Miller was a native of the Orkney Islands, and with his wife, who survives him, arrived in New Zealand in the early days of the diggings. Settling at Arrowtown, Mr Miller engaged in gold-mining there for several years, apd later removed with his family to Branch ' Creek, Cardrona, where for many years he was engaged in the same occupation. At a later period he purchased a farming property at Mount Barker, and after disposing of his interests there in 1923, he removed to Abbotsford, where the later years of a long and useful life were spent. He is survived by two sons, Messrs David and John Miller, and three daughters—Mrs G. Coop (of Victoria), Mrs J. Kane (of Hawea), anti Miss B. Miller (of Abbotsford). The late Mr Miller belonged to the finest tyye of the early mining settlers of the inland districts of Otago. He was kindly, generous, and hospitable, and he carried with him through life the esteem of all with whom he came in contact.

The death of Mr Duncan Cameron, a prominent member of the society, was mentioned by the chairman (Mr W. O. M‘Kellar) at tho meeting of the Otago A. and P. Society last week. Mr M’Kellar said that Mr Cameron had always taken a prominent pifrt in all matters relating to the extension and promotion of agricultural affairs, and his services in that direction were greatly appreciated. A motion of condolence with Mrs Cameron and her family was carried in the usual manner, members standing. It was also decided to place on record appreciation of the valuable services rendered by Mr Cameron in the many responsible positions he had occupied. A tribute to the memory of Mr Cameron was also paid by Mr W. J. Polson, president of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, at the meeting of the Dominion executive of that bodyon Wednesday. He stated that the late Mr Cameron had taken a keen interest in the Farmers’ Union in North Otago, and his enthusiasm had had a great deal to do with keeping the union going in that -district. A vote of condolence with the relatives was carried, the members standing in silence. There passed away’ at the Home of Our Lady of Compassion in Island Bay on July 19 Mrs Theress Mary Casey, an old resident of Wellington, where she was born in 1855. Solemn requiem High Mass was celebrated at St. Francis de Sale’s Church, Island Bay, on Tuesday (reports our special correspondent), the celebrant being the Rev. Dr C. W. Casey. S.M.. son of the deceased, whilst the Rev. Dean Connolly. (Kilbirnie) was deacon and the Rev. Father Chapman, S.M. (Kilbirnie) sub-deacon. Father Mark Dcvoy has master of ceremonies. The Mass was sung by the clergy, under the direction of the Rev. Father Ryan. S.M., of St. Patrick’s College. Over 20 priests were present, as well as the Rev. Mother Cecilia, Sister Mary Vincent (daughter of the deceased), and other’ sisters of the community of Our Lady of Compassion who attended the deceased during her illness. The service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. Dr Casey, S.M. Mrs Casey’ was the widow of John James Casey, of the old firm of Messrs Casey and M'Donald, drapers, of Lambton quay. She leaves four sons, five daughters, and five grandchildren.

Our special correspondent at Wanganui states that the Waverley district is mourning the death of Dr Harvey, who died at Patea Hospital on July 24. His place can never be filled so well, and his kindnesses will never be forgotten. In the days of bush tracks, the record of the late doctor is little short of marvellous. lie hail been known to ride 20 miles after the hour of midnight, and attend his patient, help to carry him some miles on a stretcher, and then mount his horse and attend at the Patea Hospital shortly after 10 a.m. No matter how hazardous the road, how bitter tho elements, or what distance the call, it was all alike to Dr Harvey. He was born in England some 60 years ago, and with his parents came to New Zealand three years later. His father, the late Mr B. W. Harvey, D.D., was for some year’s incumbent of St. Paul’s pro-Cathedral, Wellington, and later head master of the Wanganui Collegiate School. The deceased was educated at the Wanganui Collegiate School, St. John's College, Cambridge, and at the London University, where he took his medical degrees 32 years ago. He commenced the practice of his profession in Waverley, where he had since resided. During the war Dr Harvey served in Egypt and France with the Medical Corps of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and was, after two years heavy war service, invalided home. He is survived by his widow, three daughters—Mrs R. Joblin (Palmerston North), Mrs Fisher (Wanganui), and Miss Mary Harvey, of Waverley. The only son is Mr B. W. Harvey, who also resides in Waverley. The death occurred at Wellington on July 25 at his residence at Heretaunga of Mr David Brown Howden, at the age of 81. Mr Howden was born in Edinburgh and educated at the Edinburgh Academy. He came out to New Zealand in 1873, and joined the service of the Colonial Bank when it was first started. Afterwards he joined the staff of the Bank of New South Wales at Christchurch. Later Mr Howden came to Wellington, and went into business with his brother in the Wellington Biscuit Company, in which he continued until they sold out some 18 years ago, when he went into retirement at Heretaunga. While there were other golfers in New Zealand when the Howden brothers arrived, they were amongst the first to do more than talk about the game. Both had played in Scotland. Mr P. R. Howden was one of the first to rouse interest in the game ii Dunedin, when the old Mornington links were started there, and Mr D. B. Howden was one of the founders of the Hutt Golf Chib on the Waiwetu, where the present racecourse is, and where the first golf was played in the North Island. Mr D. B. Howden was the originator of the New Zealand Golf Council in colla" oration with Mr Wilder (Christchurch). He was a foundation member of the Wellington Golf Club at Heretaunga, and took a keen interest in the game until very recently. Mr Howden leaves a widow and two daughters.

MR NEWTON KING. NEW PLYMOUTH. July 27. The sudden death of Mr Newton King at his home this afternoon, at the age of of 72, closed the career of the best-known man in Taranaki. He had a huge commercial business spreading over practically every corner of the province, and with influences far beyond. It was undoubtedly the largest one-man. concern in the Dominion, while some in a position to judge affirm that it was the largest south of the Line. Mr King was associated with the commercial, social, and sporting life of Taranaki from 'he early days. It was at the age of 23 that he commenced an agency business which steadily grew up through lean times and times of plenty, always progressing under the guiding hand of the man who had an unwavering faith in the future of the province and the Dominion. A very large number of farmers received financial advances from him, and with this connection business advanced to tremendous proportions until it covered practically every requirement of the farming and business community. In 1920 the business was turned into a limited liability company. Mr King was prominently connected with the development of the dairying industry, and his stock agency and general business was so much a part of the province that he was familiarly known as “the King of Taranaki.” An early representative footballer, Mr King later became a well-known racehorse owner, and his stable has been responsible for some notable victories. He had been a member of the New Plymouth Harbour Board for many years, and chairman for a long period, the Newton King wharf being a monument to his work in collection with the development of the port. He was associated with numerous other bodies, and the snapping of the link so unexpectedly will leave a gap in the life of the province. For 10 days Mr King bad been suffering from a severe cold, and this mo-ning his medical adviser ordered him to remain in bed. Though serious consequences were not anticipated. Mr King collapsed and died at half-past 1. July 30. A very large number attended the funeral of Mr Newton King, including Mr O. J. Hawken (Minister of Agriculture), the Taranaki members of Parliament, and Sir Truby King (brother of the deeeacsd). The hearse was followed by a lorry piled high with wreaths and over 200 motor cars.