OBITUARY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LIX, Issue 9932, 31 July 1908, Page 5

OBITUARY.

MR G. S. W. DALRYJtfPLE.

Mr G. S. W. Dalrymple, oue of the pioneers of Masterton, having resided hero for considerably pvor a quarter of a century, and to whose critical state of health occasional reference has beeu made iv our columns duriug the last few 1 days, passed peacefully away yesterday afternoon, haviug beeu unconscious for so mo considerable tim'a prior to his death, his dissolution beiug ouly a matter of time for some days past. His daughter, Mrs j. H. Haukins, of Paliperstou Nor.th, most deVbtedty ministered to her father's comfort, during hislast hours on earth. t There are I'cav old settlers in MasfortouwhoAVill not have a kiu.diy recollection of,:,the ; lato Mr Dalrymple, .vhd' [ foi\fhirty-tAv6 years past has been a resident ill this toAvu, aud who always displayed a keen interest in its progress aud advancement. Mr Dalrymple, at the time of his death, was eighty years of ago, aud till within tho last year or two sliOAved but little sigu of failing health and vigour. He Avas ever a kindly, busy man, avlio kneAV everybody aud who had a pleasaut Avord for every one whom he met. Mr Dalrymple Avas the descendant of a very ancient Scottish family, aud a second cousin of the Earl of Stair. He. Avas bom in 1828, at L'Orient, Frauce,' and iv that country, aud subsequently in Belgium, ho received tho major part ot his education. His parents afterwards removed to Scotland; and, Avheu only seventeen years of age, Mr Dalrymple Avas liceused as a shipbroker iv GlasgoAV by the Customs authorities—he beiug the youngest official, so it is said, over appointed to such a position. At twenty-two he assumod a responsibility usually placed on older shoulders, by becoming surveyor of stamps and taxes for tho counties of Sutherland aud Caithness, and subsequently for Perth. He retired from the servico in 18(52, having inherited a competence. In the following year he came to New Zealand, travelling by tho "City of Duuodiu," and lauding iv Invercargill. Iv the Southern City aud ou the West Coast he gaiuod a considerable amouut of commercial experience, and saw many phases of .jolonial life, removing to Mastertou in 1876. Mr Dalrymple Avas a Past Grand Steward of the Graud Lodge of Freemasons of New Zealand, Past' Graud Master of Manchester Unity, 1.0.0. F., aud a Past Arch Druid. Iv his Masonic connection he presentod the magnificent Graud JeAvol, Avoru by tho Grand Master of the New Zealaud Constitution wheu iv full regalia; aud also oue iv miniaturo, set with rubies, to bo Avoru by the Graud Master at balls aud other functions; for Avhieh presents he received a letter of thauks from tlio Grand Lodge. As a A'oluuteer, ho held the post of colour-sergeaut of his compauy, which took part in the famous Parihaka expedition. Ho also had a useful career as a fireman. He Ava3, iv 18(55, captain of the first Fire Brigade formed iv luvercargill; in 1870 he was lieuteuaut in the Hokitika Brigade; and iv 187(5 captain of the Mastertou Fire Brigade.

Mr Dalrymple leaves a groAVU-up family, consisting of the folloAviug: —Mr J. G. Dalrymple. accountant, of Welliugtou; Mrs Haukius, AVifo of Mr ,j. 11. Haukius, solicitor, of Palmerston North ; Mrs Nicholls, Avife of Mr A. R. Nicholls, of Sydney. He also leaves tAvelve grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.