MRS. W. ROGERS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13744, 5 September 1908, Page 5

MRS. W. ROGERS.

Another of tho fast thinning number of "old identities" has passed away in the persdn of Mrs W. Rogers, of Bell Block, nee Eliza Scantllyn. Coming to Taranaki from Cornwall in the ship, "Esse^. in 1843 with her parents, she had to share in all the hardships of the pioneers of the district, New Plynjouth at that time being mostly a collection of raupo whares. She married Mr William Rogers, a young Cornish settler, and lived for some years in the Winata district, but removed to Bell Block in 1855, living on A section of land ghvn to her by her parents. When the war broke out in 1860 Mr and Mrs Rogers, in common with all the other settlers, had to abandon their home and remove to safety. Mr Rogers served in the Taranaki Militia all through the war, and the deceased lady, with her children, was among those who were sent to Nelson during what was known by the old settlers a? the "first war." During 'the "second war" she remained in New Plymouth and shared in the 'dangers and hardships of those troublous times. On peace being r*-stoi;ed they went back to farming oursilits at Bell Block, where they soent the remainder of their lives, well known and respfected by all in the district. Mr Rogers died about seven years ago, since which time Mrs Rogers has suffered failing health. She leaves to mourn her loss three sons, Mr VV. Rogers. Stratford, member of the Tara-, naki Education Board; Mr J. Rogers, of Stratford; and Mr R. Bogers, Chairman of the Pembroke Road School Committee; and two daughters, Mrs H. Feakins, of Stratford, and Mrs S. Rogers, of Bell Block. The Stratford Post announces the death of Mrs. Blair, one of tbe older residents of Stratford, aged C7j yean. For many years the deceased lady was an. ardenV'worker in the Temperance cause. . ______________