OBITUARY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 19, 30 October 1945, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR ALEXANDER MURRAY There passed away at Whak:itane recently one. of Taneatua's best known pioneers in the person of Mr Alexander Murray in his 81st year. Born in the County of Gierloili in Aberdeenshire Scotland, Mr Murray came with his parents to Dunedin in 1874. Tlie voyage which was made in the sailing ship 'Auckland' occupied 119 days and the emigrants were glad to leave their cramped quarters. As a lad the late Mr Murray worked in the Paper Mills on Water-of-Leith Dunedin, but as a young man he purchased a small farm at Sandimont. He decided later in view of the coldness of the climate to travel further north, and having disposed of his farm arrived in where he took a position on the Tuli;»tuke Station. He remained in this locality for seven and a half years. When the Opouriao Estate was cut up Mr Murray drew a section in the first ballot. It was here he ma,de up his mind to settle, and having cleared the land be built his home, remaining there lor 47 years. In that period he became well known throughout the Eastern Bay ? and was considered a progressive and successful farmer. In later' years owing to failing health he. retired fiom active farm, ing and came to Whakatane to live. His last illness necessitated his admittance to the local hospital where he passed away quietly two weeks ago. He is survived by liis wife, two sons and./ two daughters. His eldest daughter and youngest son predeceased him some years ago. There are seventeen grandchildren.