WATER DIVINER DEAD

Taranaki Daily News, 7 May 1930, Page 11

WATER DIVINER DEAD

SERVICE IN TARANAKI DISTRICT. The death occurred on Friday of Canon Harry Mason, vicar of All Saints’ Church, Howiek, at the age of 62 years. The late Canon is known to many Taranaki people, as for a time he was vicar at Okato, and throughout the North Island he was much sought owing to his remarkable power as a water diviner. Born in Staffordshire, England, Mr. Mason on arrival in New Zealand in 1894 entered the teaching profession. He then studied for the ministry, and was ordained at Bishopscourt Chapel, Auckland, in 1896. He was afterwards appointed curate at Okato, Taranaki, and three years later became vicar of that charge. He was next vicar at Tluntly for four years, and then for 20 years was vicar of Otahuhu, arid in 1925 he accepted the position of vicar ..of All Saints’ Church, llowick. He was.appointed a canon of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Auckland, in 1923, and was for many years chaplain to St. Mary’s Horae, Otahuhu.

Mr. Mason had a knowledge of surgery, anil his assistance was frequently sought when he was in the Okato district. He was very successful as a water diviner,and it was he who pointed out the position to bore at Helensville to get a large supply of the healing waters. On one occasion when,, in Wellington he, found a supply of water for a Roman Catholic orphanage. The position he pointed out was considered unlikely by the contractor, but the nuns had faith, and asked that the work be proceeded with, and the supply was duly obtained. Many farmers in the Auckland district who put down: bores :in positions pointed out: by Mr. Mason now have good supplies of water. •'! ■'; Canon Mason devoted much time to the restoration of the church at Howiek. He also collected a lot of data regarding early church history in Auckland for the records of the -diocese. Recently the Canon had been in failing health, and for that reason was granted six months’ leave of absence from his parochial duties. Mrs. Mason survives her husband, and there is one son, who is farming at Whitford.