MR. W. G. JOHNSON, OLD MARION RESIDENT, DIED RECENTLY

Wanganui Chronicle, 6 September 1950, Page 2

MR. W. G. JOHNSON, OLD MARION RESIDENT, DIED RECENTLY

The death occurred at Marton Junction last week of Mr William Gilbert Johnson at the age of 84 years. Mr. Johnson had been a resident of the town for 33 years. Born in the Shetland Isles, Mr. Johnston arrived in New Zealand with his parents in 1870 and went to live on the West Coast of the South Island. In 1887 he married Ellen Catherine Anderson of Edinburgh and Reefton. Later he moved to the North Island and was engaged in farming pursuits in the Waikato. Mr. Johnson with his wife anti family came to Marton in 1917 where Mr. Johnson accepted employment with the New Zealand Railways. Later he worked on the experimental farm at Marton Junction.,. He retired about 14 years ago. The late Mr. Johnson is survived by four sons—Andrew (Coromandel), Edward (Melbourne), John (Tauranga), James (Katikati)—and two daughters—Ellen (Mrs R. J. Black, Katikati) and Lethie (Mrs L. K. McBeth, Marton). His wife predeceased him years ago. The funeral from the St. Andrew*. Presbyterian Church, Marton, where the Rev. James Robertson, B.A. conducted a service. Mr. Robertson also officiated at the graveside at Mount View. The pall-bearers were sons, Jack and James, his sons-in-law, Messrs. Robert Black and Les. McBeth, a brother-in-law, Mr. George Anderson (Raetihi) and Mr. Arnold Barr (Wellington). NEW MEMBERS SHOOT WELL. During the past few weeks, new members have been steadily enrolling at the weekly shoots of the Marton Miniature Rifle Club, and already they are returning fairly high scores. Expert coaching facilities are available. Scores on the miniature range this week were: —G. Holder 68, 68—136; J. Rodger 66, 68—134; W. Rankin 66, 68 —134: W. B. Gray 66, 67—133; E. Miller 66, 66—132; D. Rosemergy 69, 62 131; B Rawley 65, 66—131; Miss Rankin 64, 66—130; K. Rankin 64, 65—129; K. Smith 63, 66—129; C. Lound 63, 65 —128; Miss Shannon 65, 61—126; A. Nitschke 63, 63—126; Mrs Rankin 63, 62—125; H. Jackson 64, 60—124; T. Collins 59, 64—123. THE BENYON SHOW. Marton audiences have been fortunErnisto Ve'rracchia (piano accordian shows appearing in the town over the past two months. Another revue, which has been widely acclaimed in the South Island, is to open at the Marton Civic Theatre next Monday night when The Great Benyon will stage his all-Irish magical vaudeville ' Bam-Eoo-Zalem.” Mr. Benyon is bringing new illusions to Marton. The revue does not depend entirely on The Great Benyon, but is assisted by an array cl overseas talent, including Ernisto Verracchia (pianoaccordian virtu;sc), Doreen (crooner and dancer), Evelyn Talma (personality girl and escape artist), Doris Southern (illusionist), Sean O’Hagan (“A broth of an Irish boy”) and Wee Michael (a scream). The orchestra is under the direction of Mr. Asheton Harbord. ARGYLE HOTEL. An application by Donala Daniel Holden, Argyle Hotel, Hunterville, fo: a renewal of a publican's licence and a permanent transfer to Rewi Gray, was gianted by the Rangitikei Licensing committee at its meeting this week. Mr. A. Coleman, S.M. presided. MOTOR CYCLE RACING. Competing in the Oroua Motor Cycle Club’s scramble at Onepuhi at the week-end, Jack Barnes, of Marton, won the open handicap event on a 350 cc Norton, his time being 57 seconds. Bar nes was also second in the reverse course event, which was won by R. Smith, of Palmerston North. The course was of a varying nature, with three water splashes, sections of riverbed and a short hill climb included.