OBITUARY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 28, 14 May 1947, Page 4

OBITUARY

MRS CATHERINE CAISLEY In the recent death of Mrs Catherine Caisley, the town has lost one of its most respected citizens, and one who has ever played a prominent part in its social and cultural life. Mrs Caisley was born in 1880 at Arrowtown, Otago, where she received her education. Her sense of responsibility was quickly developed when both her parents died young, leaving her with the family of seven young children, which she shared with her twin sister in bringing up and mothering.

As a young woman she came north to Rotorua, where she was engaged in the drapery trade. In 1905 she married Mr Geo. Caisley and a year later came to Whakatane, where her husband was employed at Messrs. Kirk and . Carter’s Bacon Factory. The town at that time could only boast about twenty houses, though as a shopping centre it was showing signs of developing, and the first town Board was formed shortly after her arrival.

Mrs Caisley joined the staff of. Messrs. Munro’s Drapery Store, maintaining her connection when this establishment was , taken over by the late Mr Maynard Ramson. In 1913, she decided with her husband to open a small stationery and news-agents shop on the Strand. The venture was entirely successful, and quickly expanded until it was necessary to build new premises, which were shared with Mr S. Levy. Since that time the name ‘Caisley’ has been linked with Whakatane’s growth and development over a period of 30 years, until some three years ago the business was made over to Mr C. F. Thomas who now occupies the premises. '

The Mrs Caisley was a noted worker in the interests of the Plun-, ket Society, of which organisation she occupied the position of both secretary and president on numerous occasions. Her unselfish efforts to forward the interests of every deservirig cause which came her way made her a splendid example to others in a dozen different directions. Never sparing herself, she worked indefatigably ' for the Anglican Church, the Red Cross, the Girl Guides and all other social activities which made for the benefit of the community. Typical of her spirit and enthusiasm was her recent offer to shoulder the' secretaryship of the Girl Guides Committee when no others were offering. Her passing closes a life of usefulness and service which earned her a host of friends in both town and country.

Besides her husband she leaves two surviving sisters in Mesdames J. Flowers and M. Purcell of Invercargill and Rotorua respectively.