OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 290, 5 September 1942, Page 4

OBITUARY

Mr. A. J. Nielsen

The death occurred recently of Mr. A. J. Nielsen, of Waikanae beach. Mr. Nielsen was born in Norway, and had lived in New Zealand many years, residing in Waikanae for 38 years. He leaves a family of three daughters, his wife and only son having predeceased him.

Mr % T. H. Groves The death occurred recently of Mr, T.‘ H. Groves, practically the last of the band of pioneer settlers who converted the Tawataia Valley, Eketahuna, from forest and swamp iiito useful productive land. Mr. Groves was born in Wybunbury, Cheshire, in 1863, son of Mr. an.d Mrs. Henry Groves. He came to New Zealand when 21 years of age, and soon afterward, settled in the Tawataia Valley, where he lived and worked for 56 years. Of a. retiring disposition, he took no part in public life, but he was always ready to do anything he could for the good of the country, and earned the respect and affection of the whole district. Mr. Groves married Miss Margaret Graham, who survives him. He also leaves a son, Mr. Kevin Groves, who is in the Air Force in England, and a daughter, Miss Mary Groves, of the W.A.A.F., New Plymouth. Mr. Edward Cummings The death has occurred of Mr. Edward Cummings, in his seventieth year, states a special message from Wanganui. Born in Lawrence, he was a successful farmer in that district for many years. He came to reside in the North Island in 1916, and has been a resident of Wanganui since 1926. He is survived by his Wife. Brothers are Mr. D. J. Cummings, Commissioner of Police, and Mr. Jam® B Cummings, superintendent of police, Wellington, Mr. J. Cummings, Petone, Mr. D. Cummings, Lawrence, Mr. T. Cummings, Whakatane, and Mr. W. Cuminiiigs, Gore. Mr? John Cooper The death occurred recently of Mr. John Cooper, Newman, at the age of 79 years. He was born at Makara, the son* of the late Mr. William Cooper, who came to New Zealand from St. Helena, where he hu<j bee one of the guards of Napoleon. Mr. John. Cooper’s early life was spent buslifelling in the Makara, Wairarapa, and Bush districts. Be settled after his marriage to Miss Charlotte Dawson at 'Newman, and farmed his section till his retirement in 1920. In retirement his hobby was topiary, and his gardens at Newman became worldfamed.

Mr. Cooper took an active interest in district affairs, was a director of the local dairy - company, and a member of the Domain Board. He was a prominent and active member of tlie Methodist Church, aud of the .Manchester Unity of Od fellows.

Mr. Cooper took an active part in sport, and won many chopping and walking events. At the age of 17 he was on active service in the Pnrikaka siege.