OBITUARY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 254, 27 October 1939, Page 5

OBITUARY

MR. M. H. AYKE. The death occurred on Tuesday at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. R. Hayes, Miramar, of Mr. Mark Henry A;,re, for many years a resident of Otaki. In his early days he was stationmaster under the Manawatu Railway Co., and later he was town clerk at Otaki. Mr. Ayre was a well-known athlete in his younger days and was handicapper to carious sports bodies in the Horovvhenua district. He leaves a daughter, Mrs. Hayes, and two sons, Messrs. George and Joseph Ayre. Mrs. Ayre and a son, William, died some years ago. MR. S. W. DOWXARD. The dealh has occurred of Mr. Samuel William Downard, of Woodside Road, Mount Eden, in his 92nd. year. Mr. Downard was born at Hove, Brighton, on May 21. 1848, and for a number of years was in business at Brighton and at Lewes, Sussex. In 1888, on account of his wife's health, he decided to settle in New Zealand. Having a young family of four S(,ns and four daughters, he secured all Ihe passenger accommodation in the Shaw-Savill sailing ship Crusader, which in the ordinary way carried cargo only. The Crusader made her passage in 81 days, which was almost a record. I Soon after his arrival. Mi. Downard settled at Parua Bay. Whangarei, j where he remained for 20 years, eventually moving to Auckland. Three ; of his sons served in the Great .War, ' ! and one was killed in France in 1916. ■ Mrs. Dcwnard died 17 years ago.