A PIONEER PASSES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20127, 21 April 1928, Page 6

A PIONEER PASSES

LATE MR ALEX STRACHAN MEMORIES OF THE EARLY DAYS. The death, announced yesterday, of Air Alex Strachan at the age of 82, removes one of the pioneers who formed a link with Wanganui’s early days, when an intrepid band of men and women, beset by the perils of the Maori wars, laid the foundation of whrA was afterwards destined to be the fifth city of the Dominion. The late Air Strachan was born at Comrie, Scotland, in 1846, and was six years of age when he arrived in the Colony with his parents, the late Air and Airs David Strachan, who settled at “Lornty,” Okoia. His boyhood was spent amid the perils which faced the early settlers and he saw much of the struggles between Pakeha and Alaori for mastery aiong this coast, he himself serving the colours in the ranks of the Alexandra Cavalry. Later in life Mr St\ichan purchased a farm at Waverley and became an active member of the community in sport and public affairs, being a member of the Reform Political Party, of the Wanganui Caledonian Society, and the Alexandra Cavalry Old Alembers Association. In this latter body, he retained, almost up to his death, a keen eye for rifle sights, and on the shooting range could hold his own with many of the younger generation. Right up until within a few months of his demise. Air Strachan led a very active life despite his years. His wife predeceased him by some twelve years, and he is survived by three sons, Stewart, Douglas, and Wallace, and two daughters, Airs J. Wells, and Miss Alix Strachan, of Wanganui. Another son (Lawrie) was killed in action after being awarded the D.C.M.

The funeral takes place to-morrow afternoon at the Waverley Cemetery.