OBITUARY.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1825, 11 August 1913, Page 2

OBITUARY.

MRS. BASSETT, OHARIU. Tho death of Mrs. Bassott, relict of tlio late Thomas Bassett, Ohariu, removes from our midst another of the fast-di-minishing band of Wellington's pioneers. The deceased lady, who passed away od Saturday afternoon, was born in Devonshire, England, 82 years ago. Hor childliood days wero spent in the Tower of London, in which her father held an official position. Sho knew the Tower from ntlic to dungeon, and this acquaintance laid within hor tho foundations of her lore and knowledge of England's history. As a historian ■ and genealogist sho had few equals. Possessing a voice of rare merit, sho wag often selected as a solist at Westminster, and heir parents, removing to the Black Country, her musical services were much in request at churches in Walsall, Wednesbury, and Birmingham. Sho married ill 1850 and six years later she and hor husband landed in New Zealand from tho ship Oliver Lain?. Ouo of the first to greet, them on arrival was the lato Mr. John Plimmer, who received them in his "irk." For some years she lived at Johnsonville, where her husband was engaged in Government works, afterwards removing to Wadestovn, whore sho resided on the site' now known as Wliitton's farm. Forty-six years ago sho settled in Ohariu, tho only means of communication at that time being a track over ICau Kau. For 35 years she held the position of postmistress for the district, and her intelligent recitation of tho vicissitudes of early Wellington always provided a fund of information and en-, tcrtainment. The respect and esteem in which deceased was held is evidenced by the numerous inquiries concerning her tliat were, inado during her recent illness. Her husband predeceased her by seven years. Sho had a family of four sons and seven daughters, of whom she is survived by two sons and four daughters.