OBITUARY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3842, 1 November 1927, Page 31

OBITUARY.

A cablegram from London announces the ilcatli of Mr Edward Mulcahy, {l former Minister of Lands and Mines in Tasmania and a Federal senator for six years and a-half. He was 77 years of age. A Hawera telegram announces the death, after a short illness, of Monsignor Patrick Joseph Porter, who had been in charge of the Hawera Catholic parochial district for 30 years. He came to New Zealand from Ireland shortly after his ordination in 1887, and was curate for six years at the basilica in Wellington, and was afterwards in charge of the Patea and Waipawa districts. The death occurred on Sunday morning (says the Southland Times) of Mrs Alexander M'Kenzie, “Mains o’ Blair,” Otahuti. The late Mrs M'Kenzie contracted a minor complaint while attending the annual conference of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union at Wellington recently, and complications set in with fatal results. She was born in Caithness-shire? Scotland, in 1868, and came out to New Zealand at the age of seven,- accompanied by her parents, the late Mr and Mrs Elder, of Kakanui, near Oamaru, in the ship Christian M'Ausland, landing at Port Chalmers. In 1891 she married Mr M'Kenzie, son of the late Mr and Mrs Thomas M'Kenzie, of All Day Bay, Kakanui. Immediately following on their marriage they went to “Mains o’ Blair,” where they remained ever since. The late Mrs M’Kenzie was one cf a family of seven, the others .being Mrs William Gillies (Oamaru), Donald Elder (Onehunga), John and William (Oamaru) , and James (Riversdale). Another brother. Alexander Elder, was killed in an accident at Gore some time ago.

A gathering of 100 representatives of the Boman Catholic clergy and the laity took part in the funeral obsequies at Hawera on Wednesday morning of the late Very Rev. Monsignor Power, vicar forane for Taranaki. Requiem mass was celebrated. Monsignor M'Kenna (Masterton) and Archbishop O’Shea delivered a panegyric on the life and the priestly virtues of the deceased. The burial took place in the Hawera Cemetery. The cortege was one of the largest ever seen in "the district. It took IS minutes to pass a given point.

Alter a short illness the death occurred at her residence, Wendonside, of Mrs Barbara M'Kay, wife of the late Donald M’Kay. Mrs M'Kay, who was 76 years of age, was a native of Sutherlandshire, Scotland. Arriving in New Zealand with her husband 50 years ago, they first settled at Invercargill and later at VVaiau, going to Wendonside some 30 years ago, where the deceased had since resided. She was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church. Although of a retiring disposition, Mrs M'Kay was ever ready to help in time of need. She leaves a family of two sons and live daughters—Robert and Donald both of Wendonside; Mrs James M'Kay, Invercargill; Mrs M'Cord, Auckland ; Mrs Mears, Dunedin ; Mrs Twomey, National Park; and Mrs Donald. Darfield. The death of Mr John Harris, which occurred recently at his residence, “Millvale,” Heriot, will be regretted by a large circle of friends. The late Mr Harris came to New Zealand in 1875, and for some years was engaged in contracting work in the Waimea, Conical Hills, and Brooksdale districts. Later, he acquired Mr Malcolm Ferguson’s property at Glenkenich, which, after farming it for several years, he sold, and took over the wellknown ‘’Millvale” property, where he resided until the time of his death. He is survived by his widow, four sons— Messrs Hugh (Heriot). John (Moa Flat), Thomas (Roxburgh), and James Harris (Clinton) —and five daughters—Mrs P. Wilkins (Gore), Mrs J. Wilkins. Mrs P. Shand. Miss Rose Harris (Dunedin), and Miss Winnie Harris (Heriot). The death occurred in Dunedin on Saturday, after a short illness, of Mr Arthur Gard ner, who was well known in local amateur theatrical circles and whose services in this direction were freely given on many occasions on behalf of charitable purposes. He was the eldest son of the late Mr Maitland Gard’ncr. He is survived by his widow.

MRS THOMAS M'KENZIE, SEN. The ranks of the very earlv pioneers lire becoming sadly depleted, and the passing of Mrs Thomas M'Kenzie, sen., late of All Day Bay, Kakanui, removes another of those who blazed the trail in North Otago. Her death occurred at the residence of her eldest son, Mr Alexander M'Kenzie, “ Mains o’ Blair,” Otahutu, Southland, on October 8, after a few days’ illness, and the remains were interred in the Otepope Cemetery in the plot where her husband was buried 34 years ago. Mrs M'Kenzie was born near Dores, by the side of Loch Ness, Inverness-shire, Scotland, in April, 1840, and was one of a family of 10, several of whom lived to a similar old age. Married at the early age of 20 she and her husband sailed almost immediately, along with 300 others, for Brisbane, where they arrived in 1861, after one of the eventful voyages -of those days. Work was obtained at Rockhampton, on the Darling Downs, and residence taken up in a log hut. Here they spent about 18 months, but th e climate not being suitable to them they decided to try their fortune in New Zealand, and arrived at Port Chalmers in 1863, after a voyage occupying three weeks. They then proceeded by coastal boat to Waikouaiti, where they were carried ashore by the Maoris, and thence by bullock wagon to Mount Royal. The late Mr M'Kenzie secured employment at the latter place as shepherd for Messrs Nelson and Fullerton, who then owned the station. A year later they removed to the Otepope district, and took up the management of the Waimoto Estate, which was then a sheep run, owned by Mr Mason. In those days the locality ■was known as the “ Punch Bowl,” the name having arisen from a formation in -the creek resembling a punch bowl, and •which to-day may be seen in the vicinity of the old shearing shed After a period of five years had elapsed Mr M'Kenzie took up a section of land at All Day Bay, * name given to the bay by Mr Robert

Grieve, of Oporo, Southland, because it took him all day as a shepherd to reach the place on certain rides in the execution of his duties. The country in those days was, as can be imagined, in a very rough state. Oamaru consisted of a few houses and huts, the roads were bullock tracks, and there were no bridges, so that in going through the district now one begins to realise what tremendous strides have been made in the development of New Zealand since the arrival of the first settlers, a comparatively short time ago. The first houses that Mr and Mrs M'Kenzie occupied were made of sod walls and thatched roofs, and the timber for the doors had to be transported from Oamaru on horseback in front of the saddle. The first wooden house they built was constructed from timber brought from Gatlins River, and landed at All Day Bay in surf boats. Mr M'Kenzie met his death in 1893 through a tier of wheat sacks falling on him in his barn at Kakanui. The deceased lady remained at All Day Bay for 51 years, but latterly lived with her son, Hugh, at Oamaru, Athol, and Wood lands, Southland. The deceased lady is survived by four sons. MR ROBERT WYNYARD. AUCKLAND, October 26. Mr Robert Wynyard died suddenly at his home at Devonport on Wednesday, “ Bob,” as he was termed by all who knew him, was a most popular sportsman. For some time past he had been in failing health, but his death, which came suddenly at the age of 73 years, was a shock to his many old friends. Mr Wynyard had been secretary of the Takapuna Jockey Club for 44 years. He was the eldest son of the late Captain Gladwyn >»ynyard and grandson of Colonel Wynyard, of the 58th Regiment, who, at various times, was Lieutenant-Governor of New Zealand. In his boyhood Mr Wynyard was a favourite of Sir George Grey. When 15 years of age he accompanied Sir John Thurston, Administrator of the Pacific, on a trip to the Fiji Group. When Mr Wynyard was at college one of his tutors was a young man named Scott, who afterwards became the notorious bushranger “ Moonlight ” in Australia, whose deeds of daring are related in Rolf Boldrewood’s “Robbery Under Arms.” . Mr Wynyard was a fine athlete, and later became one of the most popular figures on the turf in New Zealand. He was of a kindly and genial disposition, and was invariably courteous. He often acted as handicapper for country race meetings. The deceased is survived by Mrs Wynyard and fiv e sons and five daughters. CAPTAIN HORATIO GORDON. A master mariner who had seen stirring times in many sailing ships in the ’seventies and ’eighties, in the person of Captain Horatio Gordon, died on Thursday at his residence in Rattray street. The deceased, who had not been in the best of health of late, was widely known among those connected with shipping. He was a true type of sailor. He was of a quiet and reserved disposition. He had a very high sense of duty, and always gave of his best in whatever position he held. The late captain was born in Aberdeen on July 19. 1854, and went to sea in his early life. He quickly gained promotion. His first ship was the famous Australian clipper Thermopylae of the White Star Line. He joined the ship as an apprentice on her maiden voyage from England to Melbourne, and his association with the Thermopylae was one of outstanding merit, as he became her third mate, later her second mate, and later still her first mate. Subsequently he joined another celebrated clipper—the Asealon—as an officer. After making many voyages to Australia the deceased. joined the service of the Shaw, Savill Company, and for 11 years was master of the sailing ship Taranaki, trading between England and New Zealand. On his return to London on one voyage from New Zealand Captain Gordon applied for the position of officer in charge of the Tower Bridge, London, but he was not successful in obtaining it. He returned to New Zealand, and in December, 1897, was appointed master of the Otago Harbour Board’s tug Plucky. In that capacity he graduated for promotion, and on October 1, 1902, he was ’ appointed deputy harbour master under • -Captain G. Thomson. Captain Gordon > filled this position with every credit until • his retirement in April, 1923. The dei ceased was very proud of his association s with the clipper Thermopylae, which was , the favourite ship of the whole of his sea experience. His wife, who died several I years ago, was noted for her work as a member of the Otago Hospital Board, and 1 also for her labours amongst those in > distress. The flags on the Harbour Board’s office and the various shipping ' company offices were flown at half-mast , on Thursday as a mark of respect to the : deceased captain. Captain E. F. Watson has kindly supplied the following interesting outline of I the late Captain Gordon’s sea career:— , A master mariner of the clipper period s is a rarity in these days of the motor > ship, oil burner, and rotor driven ships. • In Captain Gordon there passed away a , shipmaster whose career is not generally , known. He was apprentice on the maiden > voyage of the famous clipper Thermopylae, and became third, second, and mate of ! his flier. How intimately he musb have ’ known this ship is appreciated by seas' men who have listened to his reminis- ■ cences. apart from the lengthy period he I served in the capacities mentioned, which r must have covered in all 10 years of | his life. From the famous yard of Walter Hood, of Aberdeen, came this ship, which ’ sailed in company with many others which , claimed their birthplace in the “Granite ’ City.” Captain Gordon likewise was a 1 native, being born there on Julv 19, ■ 1854.

The Thermopyla? was built in 1868. as also was the Asealon, and in the same yard, for the White Star Line. The latter ship followed the more famous one, and Captain Gordon served in her as well. The Cutty Sark, built in Dumbarton by Scott Dinton for her shipmaster-owner, Captain John Willis, was laid down in the hope that she would lower the Aberdeen ship’s records. In spite of all arguments on this point, the Thermopylae holds the long distance passages for the shortest time in the history of sail. To those

who argue to the contrary they must, in fairness to Walter Hood, the designer, observe the following facts. About this time (1868) a great number of clippers was building, the dimensions and lines of which were almost identical with the Thermopylae. The great rival of the Thermopylae, the Cutty Sark, was an improved Tweed, belonging to Captain John Willis, and in the dimensions of the two a remarkable similarity occurs as follows: —Thermopylae was net tonnage 927/ Cutty Sark 821; length, 212 ft and 212.5 ft respectively; beam, both 36ft; depth, 20.9 ft and 21ft. The Glasgow ship had really an advantage in having less tofinage, and was built in 1869. This in Basil Lubbock's opinion was a distinct challenge to the Aberdeen ship, as well as a distinct tribute to the designer, Walter Hood. Though Basil Lubbock is inclined to the opinion that the Cutty Sark was the faster of the two, there is nothing on record to equal the consistency of the passages made by the Thermopylae.

On a certain occasion the two vessels left Shanghai, crossing the bar together, loaded with tea and homeward bound to London. They kept together with very little to indicate the superiority until off Keeling Island, when tha- Cutty began to draw ahead, maintaining this till a most unfortunate accident occurred. She lost her rudder, and had to limp home on a “ jury.” She arrived a fortnight after the Thermopyla’. At the time the accident happened she' was 400 miles ahead of the Aberdeen vessel in a strong trade wind, this being her outstanding characteristic, though she had lost her fore and main upper topsails, and they had to be replaced. The point that seems to be overlooked by supporters of the Glasgow vessel is the remarkable sailing qualities of the Thermopylae in light airs and almost calms. Captain Demers, one of her -early masters, states that he never knew the vessel to lose steerage way owing to a calm. Her capacity to get along in these conditions was called “ghosting properties,” and it has been described as uncanny. Many instances of this can be authenticated. Amongst old sailors she was referred to as the ship along the main deck of which you could carry a lighted candle while she was maintaining a speed of two to three knots. It is owing to this mainly that her consistency was effected.

After the regrettable accident to the Cutty there was still the Doldrums to negotiate. How would the Cutty have fared then? This race might be described as inconclusive, and as no further opportunity presented itself the merits of the two renowned clippers remain now on that account a theme of fierce controversy.

Following the Asealon came the Calypso, whose master. Captain John Leslie, became a great figure in the shipping of London, and especially in the ShawSavill interests. This ship’s dimensions approached nearer to the Theryiopyhe in tonnage (actually 933 as against 927) than the Cutty, but she was 7ft shorter. Captain Gordon was mate of her when she was run down in the Downs, English Channel, and sunk. Sh’e was built in 1874 (A. Hall, of Aberdeen, builders) and owned by Shirras of that port. Captain Leslie became a shipmaster-owner, and took the beautiful Taranaki, and brought her out to New Zealand with Gordon as his mate. It was here that the latter obtained command, and remained in that capacity till he came ashore 11 years later. From this it is evident that Captain Gordon was a very intimate friend of Captain Leslie, and probably owed his success to him in many ways. The Taranaki was a Duncan-built ship from Port Glasgow, launched in 1877, and is frequently referred to by Basil Lubbock in his “Colonial Clippers,” From December, 1897, till April 1923, Captain Gordon served in the Otago Harbour Board, and remained to the end a most conscientious, dignified man. the passing of years affecting his spirits none at all. As he was when in command of his beloved Taranaki, the hospitable and amusing captain, so he was at the end.