OBITUARY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 10487, 24 December 1929, Page 3

OBITUARY.

MR. W. S. MASLIN. Mr William Stophen Maslin, who was a prominent figure in the public life of South Canterbury for a long period, a.nd who subsequently took up his residence in Otago, passed away on Wednesday last, at his residence in Bay View road, Dunedin. Mr Maslin, who was born at Brentford, Middlesex, England, resided in New Zealand for more than 71 years. He came to this country with his parents in the ship Maori, and landed at Lyttelton on July 21. 1858. His father wont lo Timaru, and was followed by his family early in 1859. Mr Maslin. senr., was engaged in the building and timber trade, and was connected with the erection of many early buildings in Timaru. In 1861 the family removed to Geraldine. On June 21, 18(14, Mr Maslin senr. was killed while bricking a well on his property, and his son William, who was the eldest of a family of five, took charge of the household affairs, lie carried on his father’s business as a timber merchant, and when hand-

sawing gave place to steam power, a large general store was added Lo the business. After the bush was cut out, store-keeping engaged Mr Maslin’s attention till 1883, when he sold his business, which had grown to large and prosperous dimensions. He then engaged in busi-

ness as an auctioneer and land agent in Timaru and Geraldine. In 1892 he discontinued auctioneering, but still carried on the land agency part of the business for many years. Mr Maslin owned a farm as early as 18(10, when ploughing was done with bullocks and a single-furrow plough, and for many years he farmed a considerable area of land. The deceased took a prominent part in public affairs for many years. In 1872 he was elected a member of the Geraldine School Committee, on which he remained for many years, and of which he was chairman for five years in succession. In conjunction with Mr R. H. Pearpoint, he was one of the founders of the Geraldine Town District, and was a member of the Town Board tor 1years, until he entered politics. He was also a member of the Licensing Committee for many years. Mr Maslin was one of the founders of the first Good Templary Lodge in the Geraldine district, and was always a strong supporter of the temperance cause. His interest in the Methodist Church began more than 60 years ago, and for the rest oi his life he was keenly interested in the welfare of that denomination. In Geraldine for some years the meetings of the congregation were held in his mother's house. Mr Maslin became a Freemason in 1879, when he joined the Southern Star Lodge No. 619. E.C. He was also a- member of an Oddfellows’ Lodge.

Mt Maslin took a keen interest in politics. He was the first Mayor of Geraldine, and from 1893 till 1596 he represented the Rangitata electorate in the House of Representatives. He was not a. candidate for Parliamentary honours at the general election in 1596. but from 1599 till 1922’ he offered his services to the electors of various constituencies without achieving success In 1899 he was one of four candidates for the Ashburton scat, for which Mr John M’Lachlan was returned. Mr Maslin occupied third place, securing 727 votes, as compared with 2027 in favour of the successful candidate. In LHH he opposed Mr F. R. Flatman for the Temuka seat, but was defeated by 2275 votes to 1303. Three years later he contested the Waitaki seat, for which there were live candidates. On this occasion Mr Maslm again occupied third place. Sir William Steward heading the poll with a heavy substantial majority. At the general election in 19OS and m 1911 without being: elected, he. transferred his attention to Ashburton. In 1914 Mr Maslin gave Mr Nosworthy a good run for the same seat, being defeated by fewer than 200 votes. The next general election took place in 1919, and on that occasion Mr Maslin was one of three candidates for the Clutha seat. In 1922 Mr Maslin offered his services to the' electors of Dunedin Central. Mr Maslin was twice married. In 1573 he married Miss Hannah Clough, of Tima.ru, and his family consisted of four sous and four .daughters.