PIONEER PASSES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 243, 14 October 1939, Page 2

PIONEER PASSES

MR. SAMUEL SHERGOLD EARLY TAIHAPE SETTLEK (Own Correspondent). TAIHAPE, Oct. 13. A well-known and highly respected pioneer of the Taihape district, in the person of Mr. Samuel Shergold, of Papaki Road, passed away at the Taihape Hospital recently at the age of 88 years. Born in the County ot Wiltshire, England, the late Mr. Shcrgold saw twelve years’ service in the imperial Army, including foreign service in India, Egypt and the Goid Coast of Africa. On leaving the Army deceased came to Tasmania in 1881, where he carried on farming operations and contracting for nine years. He came to New Zealand in 1893, landing at Dunedin, where he remained for a short time before moving to Levin and thence to Ohingaiti. Deceased came to Taihaoe in 1899 and remained here until the time of his death. When he lirst arrived the land at Papaki was standing bush, but Mr. Shergold set to work irf the true pioneering spirit to carve out a home ior himself and his family amidst the virgin forest. The busfi was felled ana the land cultivated in such an efficient manner that Mr. Shergold came to be recognised as a most successful farmer. He carried on sheep farming as well as dairying and always took a very keen interest in his farm, which was a source of pride to him. In 1908 Mr. Shergold returned to England on a holiday visit. He was greatly interested in poltics and sport of various kinds, including golf. For several years his property in Papaki Road was used as a golf links and he presented three cups to the Taihape Golf Club. Mr. Shergold was held in the highest esteem and many residents of Taihape and district will regret that this ipopular and highly respected pioneer has passed on. He leaves one son and two daughters, namely Mr. W. L. Shergold, of Taihape, and, Mesdames S. Cartier (Taihape) and C. L. Giliies (Hamilton) to mourn their loss. One son, Mr. Sam Shergold, of Waihi, died about two years ago. Deceased's wife passed away in 1920 and he was laid to rest beside her in the Taihape Cemetery. The pallbearers were Messrs. W. Bosher, S. Cartier, C. Cartier, J, Cartier. The service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. J. C. Abbott. 'The late Mr. Shergold was in hospital for nine weeks before he died. He met with an accident that resulted m an injury to his hip about ten years ago and he never recovered from the effects of the mishap. All who knew him speak most highly of him and pay a-tribute to a true pioneer who played a prominent part, in the early settlement of a portion of the Papaki district.