JOHN HOLDSWORTH

Taranaki Daily News, 27 July 1935, Page 7 (Supplement)

JOHN HOLDSWORTH

GOOD WORK IN NEW ZEALAND. FRIENDS SCHOOL ESTABLISHED. There has just passed away at 85 John Holdsworth, who had done fine work for education. . , John and his brother were sent to New Zealand and Australia for then health, and John eventually divided his time between the Old World and the New, crossing the line 18 times. He married Margaret Chambers, whose family were among the first settlers in New Zealand. Margaret would tell John how her mother had kept on good terms with the Maori chieftains during the wars; John would tell Margaret how his mother went to school with John Bright, and how the . other children shouted “Quack, Quack, ’ in mockery of their Quaker dress. John took his wife to England, and they settled at Eccles. He took a great interest in education, particularly in the famous Friends school at Ackworth. Presently they returned to' New Zealand, and made plans which resulted in a great school at Wanganui. Margaret, who had been his partner in making a gracious home famed for its hospitality, died during the war, and John, who went to England and grew New Zealand plants in his Falmouth garden, has now passed on. One of his favourite mottoes was, “It is a joy to give joy,” and pure joy he gave to many throughout his long life.