HOKITIKA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 21, 22 May 1902, Page 5

HOKITIKA.

(From an occasional correspondent.)

May 14.

The pioneers of the West Coast are fast passing away On Thursday, May 8, Mrs Gilbert, of Kumara, relict of the late Mr Jeremiah Gilbert, died after a long and painful illness. Mrs Gilbert, who had been in failing health ever since the death of her husband four years ago, bore patiently and rebignedly the crosses sent her in her declining years, and her death was a worthy ending of a noble life. Mrs Gilbert had resided in Kumara with her husband and family since the first rush to the district, and she had always been looked up to and respected by young and old for her honesty and cheerfulness, and her death ca^t quite a gloom over the district. She leaves a giown-up family of tax sons (one of whom is a liM raher of the Mariht Brothers' Order and two are studying for the priesthood) and two daughters to mourn their loss. Her funeral, which took place on Sunday, was attended by people from all parts of the Coast, who, in spite of the inclement weather, attended to show their great respect to one so well deserving of respect. — R I. P.

On Sunday, lith inst, Mr Jeremiah O'Brien, of Hokitika, who had been in failing health for some years, passed away fortified by all the rites of the Church and surrounded by his grown-up family. Mr O'Brien, who arrived in Hokitika in the days of its prosperity j followed mining for a livelihood for many yearp, but failing health warning him that the vicissitudes of such an avocation wore too much for him, he turned his attention to dairying some years ago, and he followed that calling till the time of his death. His funeral took place on Tuesday, and mourners from all parts of the Coast paid their last tribute of respect to the deceased. — R.I. P.