OBITUARY

Southland Times, Issue 22448, 11 October 1934, Page 8

OBITUARY

MR ALEXANDER ROBERTSON. The death occurred at Invercargill on Tuesday of Mr Alexander Robertson, at the age of 73 years. Mr Robertson’s parents, Mr and Mrs Duncan Robertson, of Alexandra, were a noted pioneer couple, his father being one of the first sheep drovers in the Otago province, later having the Balmoral Hotel at Manuherika Crossing, later known as Robertson’s Crossing. Born at Alexandra, Mr Robertson could be numbered among the Dominion’s earliest pioneers. He received his primary education at the Alexandra School, being one of the first pupils there. After leaving school he took up farming at Herbert (near Oamaru), where he married a local resident, Miss Christina Cameron, at the age of 21. Miss Cameron was a grand-daughter of Mrs John Kelly, the first white woman to settle in Invercargill. Leaving Herbert about the beginning of this century, Mr and Mrs Robertson took up residence in Ravensbourne, where Mr Robertson was employed as storeman by Messrs Wright, Stephenson and Co. After 12 years’ residence there Mr Robertson resumed farming for a short period at Woodlands. He then left for Invercargill to take up employment first with Wright, Stephenson and Co. and then with the Southland Farmers’ Co-operative Association. He was head storeman with the latter firm for 21 years, retiring through ill-health only six months ago. Of a retiring disposition, Mr Robertson did not take any great part in public affairs but he nevertheless found time to interest himself in the Georgetown Presbyterian Church, of which he was a very staunch supporter. Indeed, he was one of the oldest supporters of this church. In addition, any worthy cause always met with ready and practical sympathy from Mr Robertson. He was a man of sterling character and was possessed of a happy, even disposition which he retained to the end. In addition to his widow, Mr Robertson is survived by a family of six —three daughters and three sons. His funeral yesterday afternoon to the Eastern Cemetery was largely attended, and many beautiful wreaths from local stock firms and friends were sent. The services at the house and the gre.veside were conducted by the Rev. Mackintosh Carter.