DEATH OF PROMINENT PATEA RESIDENT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 301, 22 December 1941, Page 4

DEATH OF PROMINENT PATEA RESIDENT

MR. W. H. SOUTHCOMBE BORN IN WANGANU 79 YEARS AGO. Mr. W. H. Southcombe, a pioneer of Patea has died aged 79. Mr. Southcombe was born at Wanganui. the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Southcombe. His mother, who was the daughter of the late Captain Russell, was one of the lirst European children born at Wanganui. Mr. Southcombe’s father came to NewZealand when 18 years of age, arriving lirst at Auckland and the travelling overland on foot to Taranaki and Wanganui, where he settled. Mr. W. H. Southcombe spent nearly all his life in the Waverley and Patea districts, being in business in the former town for some years, after which he took up farming in the Patea district. He was for about 30 years in the service of the West Coast Refrigerating Company. Mr. Souhcomhe was one of the first scholars to he taught at the Wanganui Collegiate School, and he always maintained a keen interest in that institution. Throughout his life he was a regular attendee and supported of the Presbyterian Church. He was for some years chairman of directors of the Whenuakura Dairy Company and a member of the Patea Harbour Board. Of outstanding physique Mr. Southcombe was an ardent follower of nearly all kinds of sport and was a well known footballer in his younger days. Being an excellent horseman, he was noted as a judge of horses throughout the district. His wife died some years ago, and he is survived by three sons, Messrs. M. Southcombe (Otaki), S. Southcombe (Ruakura), and Herbert Southcombe, and five daughters Mesdames R. G. Hamerton (Vfhenuakura), T. Horton (New Plymouth), 11. Woodyear-Smith (Manurewa). R. Cathie tPihama) and W. E. Williams (Stratford). There are 18 grandchildren.