OBITUARY.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17687, 16 April 1929, Page 8

OBITUARY.

FLORA ANNIE STEEL DEAD. (Australian Press Association.) LONDON, April 15. ' The death has occurred of Mrs Flora Annie Steel, the well-known Anglo-Indian novelist, aged 82. Flora Annie Steel (nee Webster) was born at Harrow, England, in April, 1847. Her father was Sheriff-Clerk of Forfarshire. In 1867 she married a Bengal civilian and until 1889 lived in India, chiefly in the Punjab, which is the scene of most of her novels, the majority of which deal with Indian life and character, and the relations between flic East and West. Mrs Steel’s writing does not represent the whole of a long life’s achievement. She did much for the education of Indian women. In India she remained after her marriage for the greater part of 23 years. At the end of that period she could claim to have started nearly the whole system of female education in the Punjab, and to have established a social influence felt in many other parts of British India. Her name is still gratefully remembered in the province, which has now over 20 high schools for girls," with more being opened every year.

MR THOMAS ADAMSON. The death has occurred at Papatoetoe of Mr Thomas Pride Adamson, a settler in the Papatoetoe district for about 46 years. Mr Adamson, who was 91 years of age, was born in Dundee, Scotland.

MR JAMES HENRY QOATLEY. The death has occurred at Warkworth of Mr James Henry Goatley, at the age of 89 years. MISS B. M. PAYNE. AUCKLAND, Tuesday. The death has occurred of Miss Blanche Mabel Payne, of Mount Eden. Miss Payne took a lively interest in public affairs.

MRS G. GIBSON. Quite a gloom was cast over the Matamata district w’hen it became known that Mrs George Gibson, of Inglewood, Taranaki, had passed away at her parents’ residence. Mrs Gibson was the only daughter of Mr and Mrs P. Finlayson, Matamata. She was born in Caithness, North Britain, and came to New Zealand with the family while still a girl. Most of her colonial life had been lived in Matamata, and she w r as a highly respected and loved member of the community. An ardent church worker, she was a member of practically every organisation connected with St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Marrying less than two years ago she went to Taranaki with her husband. Her health broke down, and weary months of pain have been borne with wonderful fortitude.