DEATH OF A PIONEER

Taranaki Daily News, 3 May 1930, Page 5

DEATH OF A PIONEER

EARLY SETTLER IN AKAROA.

MR. EDWARD PAVITT, AGED 91. Mr. Edward Pavitt, who died in New Plymouth yesterday at the age of 91 years and 10 months, was a member of a family of 0 nterbury pioneers. During the last four years he had lived with his son, Mr. J. T. Pavitt, in Waiwaka Terrace. He was a member of the Fitzroy Bowling Club and it was only a few years ago that he ceased to take an active part in the game. He retained full possession of his faculties to the end and it was only a fortnight ago that he took to his bed.

Born in Essex in 1838, Mr. Pavitt was one of a family of 11. His father, Mr. John Pavitt, was a substantial farmer in England, but owing to the repeal of the Corn Laws he decided to migrate to New Zealand with his wife and children. He embarked on the Monarch, a brig of 375 tons, with the intention of settling on the land at Auckland, but the ship encountered exceptionally stormy weather during which her rudder was carried away, and the result was that after five months she reached Akaroa on April 2, 1850. While repairs were being carried out the Pavitt family decided to stay in the South Island and make their home on Banks Peninsula. About 100 acres of bush land were purchased from Mr. C. B. Robinson at Robinson’s Bay and a sawmill was erected under the supervision of Mr. S. C. Farr. For many yea-s the Pavitts supplied Akaroa with totara, matai and kahikatea, and shipped timber to Christchurch for delivery at the wharf at Heathcote. At the beginning theirs was the only mill in the South Island, so that it supplied the timber for many of the houses built at that time. Akaroa was then peopled; almost-entirely by* the French .who had settled there some years beforj, The Maoris were friendly towards the settlers and .were quite willing 10. trade with theriiA . ’ When he was 23 years of age Mr. Edward Pavitt married Miss C. Abbott, who died many years ago. In 1861, after his father's land had been cleared, he and his brother Thomas commenced business in Christchurch -as wood and coal merchants and carried this on for over 30 years. In addition the brothers interested themselves in the pastoral industry and purchased 50,000 acres near Hanmer. This venture did not prove ; successful, however. Prices dropped until sheep were worth not more than Is each, and it became necessary to sell the property. Mr. Pavitt is survived by four'sons and three daughters. The funeral will take place on Sunday at the Te Henui cemetery.-