OBITUARY

Southland Times, Issue 24003, 19 December 1939, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR A. McKENZIE The death occurred in Invercargill yesterday morning, of Mr Alexander McKenzie at the age of 78 years. Mr McKenzie owned “Mains o’ Blair” at Otahuti and was well known as a farmer and a breeder of Border Leicester sheep and Red Poll cattle. Born in Brisbane, Australia, Mr McKenzie came to New Zealand with his parents in 1862, the party being carried ashore at Waikouaiti by the Maoris. . His fathei became a shepherd at “Mount Royal,” Palmerston, and was later manager of the “Punch Bowl” estate, now owned by Mr Andrews. Land which has been in the family’s possession for more than 50 years was bought by Mr McKenzie’s father in 1869. Mr McKenzie himself bought “Mains o’ Blair” from a land company. He married Miss Isabella Elder, of Kakanui, who will be remembered as the first president of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union in Southland. Mr McKenzie was well known as an efficient farmer, and also took a prominent place in public life. He was associated for many years with the Farmers’ Union, of which he was a life member, the Southland Electric Power Board, the Southland Hospital Board, the Waimatuku River Board, of which he was chairman from the time of its inception, and the Invercargill Chamber of Commerce. He was also connected with the Soldiers’ Revaluation Committee, the Repatriation Committee and the Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs movement. f Mr McKenzie’s association with the Presbyterian Church at ; Limes ton u Plains dates from his arrival in Southland. He was an elder of the church for more than 40 years and was closely connected with the church in the province. Mr McKenzie’s wife died 12 years ago. He leaves a family of seven and 28 grandchildren. His family includes: Mesdames A. D. Anderson (Thornbury), K. E. McKinnon (Invercargill), A. H. Millar (South Hillend) and Messrs T. McKenzie (Wrights Bush), A. McKenzie (Auckland), W. McKenzie (Invercargill) and J. E. McKenzie (Otahuti). One brother, Mr W. J. McKenzie (Waikoikoi) is still living. MR F. W. BIGGS The death occurred at his home in Dunedin last week of Mr Frank William Biggs, a well-known resident of Pelichet Bay. Born in Melbourne on October 29, 1857, he later lived with his parents at Launceston, Tasmania, where he was educated, and came to New Zealand at the age of 18 years. He was one of the oldest members of the Dunedin Naval Artillery, in which he served for 30 years. Mr Biggs, who lived for 58 years at Pelichet Bay, was in his younger days a keen yachtsman and model yacht enthusiast. He is survived by his wife and two sons, Mr Frank Biggs, of Invercargill, and Mr Leonard Biggs, of Dunedin. There are seven grandsons, one granddaughter, and five great-grandchildren. REAR-ADMIRAL CUSONCE LONDON, December 17. The death occurred of Rear-Admiral Cusonce at sea on his way to England from Suez after six months’ illness. He was buried at sea, a navy sloop standing by.