WAIKATO PIONEER

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 274, 9 February 1928, Page 20

WAIKATO PIONEER

DEATH OF MR. R. GILLETT Formerly well known in the Waikato, Mr. Richard Gillett, aged 87 years, died on Tuesday at his home at Epsom. Born in England, Mr. Gillett arrived in New Zealand in 1872, and settled in Canterbury. In 1379 he purchased some property at Hamilton and later farmed on the area now occupied by the Ruakura State Farm. His home, which was for years a well-known landmark is now a portion of Southeli School. Deceased was director of several companies, and of the first cheese company in the Waikato. He was also keenly interested in local politics and was at one time a member of the Kirikiriroa Road Board. Three years ago he celebrated his golden wedding. Since he retired, in 1914, deceased had been living in Auckland. Two of his sons, Captain L. Gillett, of the 16th Waikato Regiment, and Mr. Richard Gillett, were killed in the war. Mr. Gillett is survived by his wife, three sons, Mr. J. A. Gillett, of Takapuna; Mr. George Giliett, of Hamilton; and Mr. L. Gillett, of Sydney, and five daughters, Mrs. P. R. Skeates and Mrs. G. White, of Auckland; Mrs. M. Grennier, of the Federated Malay States; Mrs. T. Urquhart, of Opotiki; and Miss A. Gillett, of Auckland.