COUNTRY NEWS.

Colonist, Volume LVIII, Issue 14538, 16 October 1917, Page 2

COUNTRY NEWS.

. TAKAKA

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Death has exacted a heavy toll from! our bid settlers during the last few months —old settlers who have lived! long lives of usefulness in our midst,had a big hand in the making of the district, and reared large families to; carry on the work. First there- was the death of Mrs John Page, of Waitapu later Mrs George Page, of Central Pakaka,; and now I have to record the death of yet another of our old and respected citizens in the person of Mr William Solly, who passed away on Friday last, at the age of 61 years.! Mr Solly came here as a boy, and ' lived and worked in the valley all his life, aud provided for and brought up a large family of sons and daugh-i tors, two of the sons being now at^the! front fighting for their country. Mr1 Solly was one of the charter members of the Lodge of Druids, having been initiated at the opening of the lod«-e in 1895, and had held office almost continuously since he joined. By his death j his family lose a loving father and his widow a faithful husband. The Druids'' Lodge lose a member who always took the keenest interest in the doings of the Order, and never missed attending a meeting unless lie was prevented by .ill-health. The funeral, •which took] place on Sunday afternoon, was attended by all the leading settlers and business men in the district, and practically every member of the 'Druids' Lodge! turned out to show tho last respect for a woll-beloved brother. The ]^ ev> , J- JDaynes conducted the Church of England service at the graveside, and Bro. J. B. Sadd, secretary and Past Arch-Druid, read the Druids' funeral oration. The officers of the Lodge acted as pall-bearers. Although Mr Solly had attained his sixty- ( irst; year, he was until stricken down by illness a very hale and hearty man for his years, and his death came as agreat shock to his family and his many iriends. The deepest sympathy is extended to the widow and family m their great loss.