TAKAKA.

Colonist, Volume LVIII, Issue 14539, 17 October 1917, Page 1 (Supplement)

TAKAKA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Death'has exacted a heavy toll from our old settlor* during the. la-st few months—old .settlers who . have- lived long. Jives of usefulness in our midst, had a big hand in: the making of the district, air! reared large families to carry on the work. First, there was tho death of Mrs John Pago, of Waitapu, I'ator Mrs George Page, of Central Takaka, and now I have to record tho 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 Gl years. Mr Solly eamo here as a. boy, and lived and worked in the valley all his life, and provided, for and brought up a large family of sons and daughters, two of the sons being now at the front fighting for their country. Mr Solly, was one of" the charter members of the Lodge of Druids, having been, initiated at the opening of the lodge in .1895, and had.held office almost^continuously since he joined. By his death his family lose a laving father and his widow a- faithful husband. The Druids* I Lodge lose a, member who always took the keenest interest in the doings of the Order, ;:nd never missed attending a meeting unless he was prevented by iu-hea!th. The funeral, 'which took plr.ee en -Sunday afternoon, wap. attended by all the leading settlors and business rr.i-n in tk? district. anVi p'aehcnHy every member of the. 'Druids' Lodge turned out to show the last respect for a well-beloved brother. Tho Rev. F. J. Daynes conducted tho Church of England service at the grave-side, and Bro. J.B. Sadd, seere•tary and Past Arch-Druid, read the Druids' funeral oration. The officers of the Lodge acted-as pall-bearers. Although Mr Solly had attained his sixtyfirst year/ he was until stricken down by illness a very hale and hearty man for hi.s years, and his death came as a great shock to his family and his many friends. The deepest sympathy is extended to the widow and family in their great loss.

Tlip death is announced of Mr Thos, Charles Trott, of Marton, in his 83rd year. He arrived at Marton In 1867, and his death thus removes one of the early rosidentr- of that town. He wa-5 a member of Court Little John, A.O.F. Mr William Trott, of Nelson, is-his. eldest son.