OBITUARY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21159, 8 July 1940, Page 8

OBITUARY

REV. J. EGERTON WARD PIONEER MISSIONARY (By Telegraph.—special to Times) AUCKLAND, Monday The Rev. J. Egerton Ward, a veteran missionary of the Prebysterian Church in the Maori field, died at hi home in Mount Roskill, Auckland, on Saturday morning, aged 79 years. Mr Ward was bom in Bendigo, Victoria, and came to New Zealand as boy. He left later for France and England, where he acquired a considerable knowledge of medicine anct also of the law, and on his return to New Zealand he was associated wit: legal work in the Native Department. He had also gained some experience of banking and of farming, before, in 1898, he entered the service of the Presbyterian Church as a home missionary at Huntly. His knowlege of Maori enabled him to establish the most friendly relations with the Maori people of the district, which was then the headquarters of the King move ment. In 1902 Mr Ward was ordained and transferred to Taumarunui, where he was the pioneer of missionary work in a large and difficult field. He was deputy-Mayor of Taumarunui for many years, served on the Hospital Board, and was actively engaged in all public movements for the good of the district. Six years ago Mr Ward retired from active service, and had since re sided at Waikowhai. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.