OBITUARY,

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16573, 4 November 1921, Page 5

OBITUARY,

ROBERT ARMSTRONG. The death of Mr Robert Armstrong, of South bridge, ha.s removed another of the early pioneers of the Ellesmere district. Mr Armstrong came from Tyrone, Ireland. and landed in Gippsland, Australia, fiftyfour years ago. staying only a. short time in Australia- He decided to try his luck in New Zealand, and came to Southhridge over forty-five years ago and lived there until the time of his death. Mr Armstrong worked for some time on the making of the Met-h----ven railway line. He was a- staunch supporter and an enthusiastic member of St James's Anglican Church, Southhridge. He was married in 1881 by the Rev Mr Hat per, at Southbridge, to a daughter of the late Mr John Wright, of Rangitata. Mr Armstrong took no prominent part in public affairs, but he will be long remembered for his hospitality, his genial nature and disposition winning great respect from a. large circle of Friends. He leaves a. widow and grown-up family to mourn their loss. The funeral was largely attended by representatives from all parts of the district. The Rev H. G. Hawkins held a service at the church and also conducted the burial service at the graveside. The pall-bearers were six sons of the deceased. JOHN O’CONNELL. The death occurred at the Lewisham Hospital recently of Mr John O’Connell, of Marawhiti, Barr Hill, at the age of sixty-eight years. The Tate Air O’Connell was the third son of the late Bryant O’Connell. He was born at Gorthlea. County Kerry, Ireland. in 1853. and emigrated to New Zealand by the sailing ship Northern Monarch, landing at Lyttelton on February 1, 1879. After following farming pursuits on. the Acton Estate for a number of years, he acquired in 1898 a farm at Marawhiti, where he resided until the lime of his death. The deceased was of a kindly disposition and was highlv esteemed, by those who knew him. His funeral, which took place at Methven, was largely attended by those who held the deceased in the greatest respect. Old friends acted as pall-hearers. They were: Messrs P. O’Connell. P. O’Connor, P. M’Neil, F. Seldon, C. O’Sullivan and IV. Stookdill. He leaves a widow and seven children (five sons and two daughters) to mourn their loss.