LAID TO REST

Southland Times, Issue 22008, 6 May 1933, Page 5

LAID TO REST

SOUTHLAND PIONEER. MRS R. D. MACLACHLAN. There was laid to rest in the Dipton Cemetery yesterday one of Southland’s noblest pioneers, Mrs Louisa Elizabeth MacLachlan, widow of the late Mr R. D. MacLachlan. Almost 60 years ago she and her husband came from Australia and acquired part of the Bayswater estate in the Aparima district. Early in 1878 they sold out and took up land in Dipton. This was in the old coasting days when it took almost twelve hours to travel from Invercargill to Dipton, and at least another day to reach Kingston. It was a house owned by a well-known coachman, the late Mr W. Flint, that Mr MacLachlan acquired at Dipton. This he later enlarged to form the present homestead, “Leura.” Many were the hardships Mr and Mrs MacLachlan had to suffer in those early days, even to being held up by bushrangers. Mrs MacLachlan had an inexhaustible fund of reminiscences which she could relate in a most entertaining way. Both she and her husband were renowned for their hospitality, openhouse being kept and everyone being made welcome with charming courtesy and touching kindness. Mr MacLachlan died in 1911, mourned by a host of friends. His death, however, did not alter the pleasant, friendly atmosphere of “Leura,” for Mrs MacLachlan ever remained a delightful hostess and a devoted friend. She was most philanthropic, never declining to help anyone in trouble or in need. She took a keen delight in her garden, particularly in the growing of Australian plants. She was a very staunch member of the Church of England, her support being shown in many practical ways. She was a woman of exceptional energy and vitality, and enjoyed excellent health until three years ago when the shock occasioned by the untimely death of her youngest daughter, Mrs Duncan McNab, seriously affected her. She lost her youngest son, Duncan, in the war. Her surviving children arc Miss MacLachlan and Mr R. W. MacLachian, both of whom live at Dipton. Two of her brothers live in Australia. One brother, who died at Kurow, North Otago, lived at Dipton in the ’eighties, being prominent in the district cricket team. The funeral yesterday was very largely attended, people being present from Invercargill and many parts of Southland. A service was held in the Dipton Anglican Church, the Rev. Cyprian Webb conducting it and Mi J. L. McG. Watson officiating at the organ. At the graveside Mr Webb conducted the service, the Rev. J. Johnston, of Dipton, assisting.