Death Of Patea Pioneer; Mr M. Carey, Aged 87

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 November 1948, Page 9

Death Of Patea Pioneer; Mr M. Carey, Aged 87

A pioneer resident of Patea, Mr. Matthew Carey has died at the age of 87 years. Born near Melbourne, he arrived at Patea with his family at the age of four'*vears. His father took up Maori land at Manutahi in the days of the Maori wars, and his mother s kindness in nursing the wife of a Maori chief was all that saved the family from a hostile force. In 1884 Mr. Carey married Miss Jane O'Neill, Okehu, who died seven years ago. Mr. Carey worked as a builder'and joiner for the late Mr. Charles Potts and then purchased the business, helping to build the Waitotara bridge and the old Manawapou bridge. As a young man he was a prominent athlete and played in the first Taranaki representative Rugby football team in 1885. He had an outstanding record as a member of the Patea Fire Brigade, with 34 years’ continuous service to his credit. He was the first man in Taranaki to obtain a gold star. He held ollice as captain, lieutenant and foreman, and was a life memberFor over 50 years he was a keen rifle shot, winning numerous trophies and competing regularly and successfully at the New Zealand championship meeting at Trentham. He held the rank of colour sergeant in the days of the Patea Volunteers, and when this unit was disbanded he was responsible for the formation of the Patea Defence Rifle Club in 1912, and also took a leading part in the formation of the Patea Rifle Association. He was also a foundation member of the Patea Bowling Club, being president in 191 G and winning the club singles championship on several occasions. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters and passed through the chief ranger’s chair. He was a member of the Patea Band for many years.

The funeral was attended by many realatives and friends. The Rev. G. P. Cook conducted services at the house and at the graveside, the pallbearers being Messrs S. Yates (Patea Bowling Club), A. J. Clarkson (Patea Fire Brigade*. N. Mitcheil (Patea Defence Rifle Club), R. Anderson (Foresters’ Lodge), K. Christiansen (Patea Band)’, and R. Campbell (Patea Football Club) Mr. Carey is survived by four daughters and Iwo sons. They are Mesdames G. Ehrke (Auckland), C. Masters (Auckland), C. Leigh (Auckland) and L. Carey '(Patea). and Messrs C. H. and A. A. Carey (Patea). There are seven grandchildren and ?ight great-grandchildren.