OBITUARY.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 683, 11 November 1921, Page 4

OBITUARY.

WELL-KNOWN MINISTER.

THE REV J. J. MATHER.

The death occurred on Tuesday morning at his residence, Grange Road, Mounjt Eden, of the Rev. J. J. Mather, in his 67th year, after a few days’ illness. Mr Mather was born in Yorkshire and came to New Zealand by the sailing vessel Western Monarch, arriving in Auckland on January 2nd, 1880.. A tier'a period of training at ,the Three King’s College he entered the Methodist ministry in 1883, and Rendered successful service for 32 years. With the exception of the seven years,. 1897 £to 1904, when he was in the South Island, his ministry was in ,the North Islnad, his appointments including Paparoa, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Pukekohe, Whangarei, and Marton. In 1915, owing to ill-health, he was compelled to become a supernumerary, since when he had’ resided at Mount Eden. Mr Mather always took a keen interest in political, social and religious matters, and under a nom-de-plume was a frequent contributor to’the press. Siinc'e his retimement he had rendered valuable service to the church as a preacher, and especially as a collector for the Mount Albert Orphanage. He is survived by Mrs Mather, a daughter of the Mr William Bayly, of Taranaki, and by two daughters and two sons. One of the latter, Mr Harold Mather was for some years on the reporting staff of the Herald. A third son was killed in the war; The funeral took place yesterday afteroon at Waikaraka Cemetery, and was well attended.