DEATH OF A PIONEER.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 September 1925, Page 13

DEATH OF A PIONEER.

MR. WILLIAM BORLAND DAVIES. LINK WITH 'EARLY DAYS SEVERED. The death of Mr.' William Bolland Davies, which occurred at New Plymouth yesterday in his 79th year, severs another link with the early days, of the Taranaki settlement.

Mr. Davies 3 parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Davies, left their home at ‘•Bonithon,” Hilston, Cornwall, in 184'1, landing at New Plymouth in one of the earliest immigrant ships. Mr. Davies was born in 1847 at a locality then known as Whalers’ Gate, situated between what are now known as Westown and Omata. In this connection it is interesting to note that Mr. Davies sister, the late Mrs. J. C. Sharland, is believed to be the first white girl born in New Plymouth. Mr. Davies was educated at a local private school and at Nelson College. Although only sixteen years of age when the Maori War was at its height and therefore not of age for active service, Mr. Davies returned from Nelson and was engaged in war work, including blockhouse duty. Later he was engaged in the task necessary in those days of dipping bullets and supplying them to the firing line. After the war Mr. Davies was engaged in farming on the Veale and Frankley roads, and for a number of years subsequently he conducted a seed .business in New’ Plymouth, returning later to farming. Mr. Davies was a very keen horticulturist, and conferred a great benefit on Taranaki by the introduction of successful orange and ' lemon culture. Tie was also one of the earliest importers of poor man’s, oranges and various other citrus fruits. His home on Frankley Road and his late residence bear testimony to his experimental work in fruit culture. Of recent years Mr. Davies has lived in semi-retirement, being for some timi associated with Mr. E. L. Humphries m the land and estate business. He was at the time of his death secretary of the Veterans’ Association, and has always shown keen interest in all local j movements for the beautifying of the I town and the benefit of the district. He i provided a splendid example of the vitali ity of the pioneers of Taranaki, for he i has always been bale and hearty and in possession of all his faculties, am till eight days ago he apparently enjoyed his usual health. The funeral takes place at le Henin cemetery to-morrow morning. MR W. BENT.

Another old settler of the Waitara district. Mr. W. Bent, died on Thursday morning, in the New Plymouth. Hospital, at the age of <59 years. For a period of over thirty years Mr. Bent and family has resided in W aitara. and previous to that they had lived at Tikorangi. The deceased was for many years employed at the Waits ra freezing works, being foreman carpenter. He served as. a borough councillor for a term. Lodge Sir Donald McLean has lost a valued member, the deceased being on several occasions Worshipful Master and a member for over forty years. Mr. Bent was also an enthusiastic Oddfellow, being a member for over forty years, having occupied the position of secretary for 32 years, up till a few months ago. He was a member of the Waitara Bowling Club, and was at one time president of that body. A widow’, one eon and one daughter (Mrs. Cannell) are left to mourn their loss.