OBITUARY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3987, 12 August 1930, Page 62

OBITUARY.

The death took place recently of an early settler in Otago in the person of Mr John Mitchell. The deceased arrived in the Robert Henderson in 1858 with his parents, brothers, and sisters. There were nine in the family, three of whom have predeceased him by only a few years, while the remaining six are still in Dunedin. The deceased will be well remembered by Port Chalmers people, for he was connected with a grocery business in partnership with his brother for many years. After retiring from business he came to Dunedin, and resided in Albany street. Quite recently Mr Mitchell removed to Driver’s road, Maori Hill, where he passed away after a short illness. He is survived by his wife, a son, and three daughters. MR JOHN WALKER PATON. With the death of Mr John Walker Paton, at the ripe age of 94, has passed yet another of those who in earlier days came out to New Zealand and did their share of pioneering work. Air Paton was born at Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, on September, 1836. As a scholar at the Kilmarnock Public School he was an apt pupil. At the early age of 14 he joined the staff of Messrs Zangwill. Karutu, and Co., a Greek firm, of Glasgow. Beginning as an office boy, he steadily rose until he became the firm’s confidential clerk, which post he filled for a number of years. In 1862 he accepted an appointment with Messrs Gladstone, Wylie, and Co., bankers, as cashier, and acted in' that capacity for them at their office in Rangoon, Burma. At the end of three years his work had so satisfied the firm that it offered to take him into partnership, but, as the climate did not agree with his wife’s health, he was unable to accept the offer. After returning to Scotland, he resolved to come to New Zealand, landing here in 1865. He obtained a position in the Bank of Otago. Failing eyesight compelled him to relinquish this post, and, as he was advised to try outside work, he resolved to take up farming. He took up land in the Alaheno district, and up to within a few years of his death he worked this farm, to which he gave the name “ Wakefield.” Mr Paton always took a keen interest in church matters. In Glasgow he was one of the most active workers of the Young Men’s Guild, which was run in connection with the church to which he belonged. He was for many years' superintendent of the Kakanui Presbyterian Sunday School and precentor of the church. He also served for a considerable period on the Kakanui School Committee. Air Paton was twice married, his first wife being a daughter of Air Daniel Alacdonald, engraver, of Greenock. She died in Alarch, 1874. In December, 1876, he married Miss Hannah Elder, sister of the late Air James Elder, of Alaheno. She predeceased him by four years, her death taking place on July 30, 1926. Air Paton passed away quietly on July 26 at his home, “ Wakefield,” Alaheno, after being confined to his bed only a few days. On the Sunday evening following a memorial service was conducted by the Rev. W. W. French in the Alaheno Presbyterian Church. The deceased was laid to rest, in the Herbert Cemetery, the Rev. W. W. French officiating at the service. At the time of his death Mr Paton left four sons, but the second son, Air Daniel Macdonald Paton, succumbed to an attack of pneumonia on July 30. I Hence Mr Paton is survived bv three sons—Air John B. Al. Paton (of'Christ--1 church), Air George Paton (Queens-

land), and Mr David E. Paton (of Island Stream, Alaheno).

AIR JOHN PROUSE.

WELLINGTON, August 4. The death occurred to-day of Mr John Prouse, a notable figure in music circles hi New Zealand. The deceased, who was 75 years of age, was a distinguished baritone singer, and had toured with famous artists, including Kubelik, Dame Alelba, Backhaus, and Aladame Dolores. His greatest achievements were in oratorio, and he had sung at the Albert and Queen’s Halls. For 35 years he was associated with St. Paul’s Procathedral choir. He was born at Wai-nui-o-mata, where his father settled in 1841, and was a successful business man in the timber trade. The deceased leaves, a widow, three sons, and two daughters. The sons are Alessrs William Prouse (architect), Oliver Prouse (solicitor, Wellington), and George Prouse (M'lan, Italy). ’ LADY HECTOR. WELLINGTON, August 4. The death -is announced of Lady Hcc: tor, relict of Sir James Hector, in her eighty-second year. AIR GEORGE WTNDER. WELLINGTON, August 4. The death has occurred of Air George Winder, an ex-city councillor and a pro: minent bowler and Freemason. AIR JOHN AI’KERCHAR. INVERCARGILL, August 4. A pioneer settler in the person of Me John Al’Kerchar died at Timaru on Thursday at the age of 88 years. Mr Al’Kerchar was born at Breadalbane, in Perthshire, and came to this country as a lad of 16 with his parents, three sisters, and two brothers, Donald and James. Of the family only James survives, and he spends his well-earned retirement in 1A oodlands. The family reached Port Chalmers in 1858 by the Strathallan, of 550 tons, which brought on this trip over 200 emigrants from Perth to the colony. On landing, the father obtained, through the superintendent of Otago (the late Air James Macandrew) a position as manager of a block of land, part of which is now known as the Blackmount Station, Incidentally, it was named “ Blackmount ” by Air James Al’Kerchar. John, the youngest son, accompanied his father on foot from Dunedin to Riverton. From Riverton they were to drive sheep up country to the station. The journev south took nine days. James, the second brother, was left with his mother and sisters to go to Bluff by boat, a trip they made in the Star of Dunedin, which took three weeks. The father, at Riverton, became anxious at the delayed appearance of the family and set out for Bluff, arriving there just as the boat berthed. The party started again immediately for Riverton, the trip taking three days. Friendly Alaoris paddled the party across the New River, but how they crossed the other rivers is not told, AIAORI WAR VETERAN. NEW PLYMOUTH, August 4. A soldier in the New Zealand forces at the age of 18, Mr Edward Charles Aleredith died on Sunday at the age of 84 years. It was the murder of his father and brother by the Alaoris on July 18, 1864, near Drury, which began the Waikato war. After the murder, Aleredith transferred to Wanganui, joining a Native contingent under Colonel APDonnell as colour-sergeant. In 1865 he was present at the taking of VVereroa, Pipiriki, and Opotiki. His company fought at Turn Turumokai, where Colonel Hassard was killed. After hostilities ceased Air Aleredith took up land at Patea. He ended his military career as a sergeant-major of the Hawera volunteers.

AIR J. FREDERICK BOOTH. OTTAWA, August 5. Air J. Frederick Booth, vice-president and general manager of J. R. Booth, Ltd., lumber merchants, died on Tuesday at Rochester (Alinnesota ), aged 67. He was the second son of the late Air J. R. Booth, a pioneer of Canadian lumbermen. Princess Erik of Denmark is his daughter. AIR G. H. BONNINGTON. CHRISTCHURCH, August 8. The death is announced of Mr G. H. Bonnington, aged 65. The deceased, who had been in business for many years as a chemist, was also well known in musical and bowling circles. CAPTAIN CECIL FOSTER. LONDON, August 8. The death is announced of Captain Cecil Foster, the hero of the Trevessa exploit. The steamship Trevessa foundered in the Indian Ocean in June of 1923. Captain Foster showed great courage and resource. The crew were taken off the ship in two boats, and after many privations and perilous experiences they were landed with very small loss of life. They 'were in the boats for nearly three weeks.