OBITUARY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 126, 31 May 1932, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR. HORI (GEORGE) PUKEHIKA. 1 The death occurred late on Sunday ’ evening of Mr, Hori Pukehika at his home at Puugarehu, on the Wanganui river. Air. Pukehika, who was known familiarly as “George” to his wide circle of friends, was aged about 85 and was one of the last links existing with the early days of Wanganui. It 1 is understood’that he was one of the last of the survivors or the now famous battle of Moutoa and with him there dies much valuable history. Outstandingly eloquent among a race that was renowned for its eloquence, he ' was a great and loved personality by Maori and pakeha alike and was known over practically the whole length nt : the Wanganui ’River. There is n photo of him hanging on the walls of the 1 Wanganui 'Museum, taken sonic 10 years ago It is a fine portrait. 1 ' It is understood that the funeral will ' probably take place on. Thursday. ’ There will be a general migration of - friends to Pnngarehu during the intor- > vening period, when a. tangi will be ’ held, and fitting homage will be paid to a great Maori. MB. JOSEPH RDSCOE. Tho death took place on Saturday night, at his residence, 37 Durie Street, Durio’ Hill, of Joseph Ruseoc, at the ago of 77 years. His passing camo i after a long illness. i The late Mr. Ruscoe was born in > Bilston, Staffordshire. England, in - December, 1855. He arrived in Wels lington with his parents on Christmas c Dav, 1856. Three days following their I arrival, the Ruscoe family sailed for s Wanganui in tho Tyj.c, the voyage e occupying three days. Mr. Ruscoe, who lived in Wanganui all hi« life, saw r the township grow to its present size r and .importance. He remembered - vividly the erection uf the Town 1 Bridge, Aramoho Kailway Bridge, and - Dublin .Street Bridge. Another of his c reminiscences was the occasion on 1 which he saw Bully Hayes’ pirate ship ’ in the roadstead. 1 Ln his younger days Mr. Ruscoe was . a keen and active oarsman, being a t member of the Union Boat Club from - 1878 to 1885. He was one of the I famous four that used to practise in a > whale boat on the Kaitokc Lake. Mr. Ruscoe is the third member of the , r Kaitokc crew to have died since Christ- • -mas.. The other two members who have passed away ai'C Messrs R. (Dick) - Wisdom and his brother William. The I surviving member is Mr. Henry ■ Hewett, uf Wanganui. While a niemi l>er of the clul. Mr. Ruscoe had a most successful career as an oarsman and had numerous regatta wins, to his Mr. Ruseoc attended the first. Caledonian, sports meeting in Wanganui, which uas held al Tuliki. He was an intimate I’rii nd of the late Re'. I.’iclierd Taylor.’ the veil known mission-

ary, who used to reside at Putiki. Al Ruscoe had been in ill-health for som considerable time and the end was no unexpected. He leaves a grown-u family. The funeral will leave his late res <ience, 37 Dorio Street, Doric Hill, fa the Wanganui Old Ccmcter, at 2.3 this afternoon. Members of th Af.U.1.0.0.F. Lodge are requested t assemble at rhe Wanganui Ohl Ccme tery nt 2.45 this afternoon.