OBITUARY

Southland Times, Issue 20173, 9 May 1927, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR PETER MILLANE. There passed away at his residence, Knapdale Road, on Sunday evening, May 1, another of Southland’s pioneer settlers -in the person of Mr Peter Millane. Born at Kanturk, County Cork, Ireland, on June 29, 1854, the deceased arrived in New Zealand some 50 years ago. His introduction to Southland was per medium of hard toil, he being a carting contractor, associated with him being the late Mr James Holland, a gentleman who assisted greatly in making Gore what it is to-day. The roads in those days were few and far between, and the experiences of Mr Millane on his many long trips from Gore to Wantwood, Glenure and Five Rivers, through tussock, swamp and creek, as explained by himself, were most interesting to listen to. Mr Millane later took up a section at Dipton Flat, where he remained for three years. He then purchased a property at Otikerama, near Pukerau, where he resided for 23 years. Some 11 years ago he removed to Knapdale Road, Gore, where he resided up till his death. Of a cheerful disposition, and possessed of never-failing Irish wit, he always proved himself a devoted husband and father, and besides was ever willing to assist his neighbours. About six years ago he had a serious illness from which he never fully recovered, and at 11 o’clock on Sunday evening he passed suddenly but peacefully away, in the presence of his wife and some members of the family. He was married on February 20, 1889, to Margaret Holland, sister of the late James Holland, and the couple were blessed with seven children. One son (Peter) made the supreme sacrifice during the Great War. He is survived by his widow, and the remaining members of the family are— Thomas (railway employee, Gore), James (employed on the Farm), Mrs Thomas Malone (Lowther, near Lumsden), Mrs P. Monaghan (Croydon), Mrs Matthew Hanley (Knapdale Road), and Miss Eileen Millane (at home), while 10 grandchildren have lost a lovable grandfather. Two brothers of deceased, Messrs William and David Milalne, reside in Wellington. The funeral, which took place on Tuesday at the Gore Cemetery, was very largely attended, about 50 motor cars following the hearse to the graveside, where Rev. Father Lennon conducted a most impressive burial service.