OBITUARY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16923, 23 December 1922, Page 9

OBITUARY.

WILLIAM SHEATE. By the death of the late WinSkate, who passed peacefully away at his home in Riccarton on December 7, aged 87 years, Canterbury loses one of its earliest settlers, and one who did his full share of the pioneer work which fell to the lot of those who came here when the province was in its infancy. The late Mr Sheate arrived in New Zealand by the sailing vessel British Empire in 1861, and began farming at Courtenay, removing some sixteen years later to Greendale, where he remained until 1905. In that year he retired from farming and went to Riccarton, where he resided until his death. Mr Sheate was an excellent farmer, and his advice was freely sought and as freely given. His keen interest in the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association manifested itself in many ways. Old settlers in that district will remember him in many official capacities, including that of president, and also as a regular exhibitor of all classes of stock. He was a staunch and liberal supporter of the Baptist Church, his connection with that denomination extending over almost half a century— first at Greendale and latterly at Spreydon. In addition he was a regular contributor to numbers of Christchurch institutions, and many of them have reason to remember him with sincere gratitude for substantial help in times of stress. During his seventeen years’ residence at Riccarton Mr Sheate endeared himself to a large circle of friends. H is survived by four daughters—-Mrs C. Adams. Airs J. A. Adams, Mrs A. W. Colee (all of Greendale), Miss Martha Sheate (of Riccarton), and one son—Mr W. A. Sheate (of Ashburton).