OBITUARY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 11509, 6 November 1912, Page 5

OBITUARY.

REV. JOHN ROSS.

It is with deep regret we'have to rocord tho death of tho Rev. John Ross, which occurred at Wanganui on Monday, in his 83rd year, after a short illness. Mr Ross' death was not unexpected, as he had been in indifferent health for some time past. The deceased was one of Nature's gentlemen, and a truo type of Christian—a man who acted up to his principles'and his teachings. Although he was one of the most liboralminded men, he had strong convictions, and never countenanced any action that was not fair and square above board. His honesty of purpose, kindly disposition, open-hearted generosity and tolerant spirit endeared him to all with whom ho came in contact, and he was loved and respected by all. Mr Ross was one of the pioneers of the North Island. Before leaving Scotland, Mr Ross married, and in due time arrived in Port Chalmers. Ho then wont on to Wellington, and, with Mrs Ross, set off for the Wairarapa, then bush-clad and unpeopled. Organised Presbyterianism in Wairarapa dates from the year .1876, at which time tho Rev. John Ross was inducted as the first minister of Wairarapa, and a Kirk session duly constituted. Mr Ross was in those days responsible for tho pastoral care of all Presbyterians from Wanganui to Castlepoint and Cape Palliser.

Ho laboured with great success in Wairarapa until he was called to Turakina, with which charge his name will ever be affectionately associated. For over thirty years he was a beloved figure in the district, and then, when the burden of years began to tell, he went to Wanganui, whOre he resided till the time of his death. The deceased gentleman, who was a. profound scholar, established a secondary school at Marton, which, in conjunction with his pastoral duties, he conducted with conspicuous success for many years. Mr Ross was always a great enthusiast in educational matters, and was one of the first members of the Wellington Education Board, and for many years did good work for the causo of education in that district. On taking up his residence in Wanganui, Mr Ross became an elder of St. Paul's Church, the members of tho congregation holding him in great esteem. Mr Ross is survived by his widow and a grown up family of three sons (Dr Ross, of Petone, Mr Charles Ross, of Rangitatau, and Mr John Ross, at present studying for the ministry), and six daughters (Mesdames B. P. Lethbridge, Turakina: Mrs Ewen MacGregor, Turakina Valley; and Misses Janet, Jane, and Wilhelmina Ross).