OBITUARY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 41, 4 March 1937, Page 10

OBITUARY

MRS ELIZA SMITH Mrs Eliza Smith, oue of Hawko 's Bay's oldest pioneer settlers, passed away at her son's residence, Hilldave, Elbourne street, Taradale, yesterday, at the advanced age of 84 years. Since the death of her husband five years ago Mrs Smith exper'ien&ed lahdlfferent health and snffered a long illness. The late Mrs Smith, who was born in Staffordshire, England, came to New Zealand with her husband in the sailing vessel Waitara arriving at Port Ahuriri on December 24, 1876. Soon after their arrival her husband gained employment on the railway construction work through the 90-mile Bush. They went to live on the Takapau Plains and moved up as the building of the railway progressed. For some time Mrs Smith was the only Englishwoman in the district. With -*her husband she experienced strenuous pioneering days. For a long time she was obliged to live in a slab hut which had a calico roof and windows. Her cooking had to be done outside. the only proteetion from the weather conditions being a tree stump. Suppliea of food were frequently almost unobtainable, which greatly added to the hardship of the life in blazing the trail through this portion of the province. The late Mrs Smith, who was an ardent Salvalionist, took an aetive interest in all movements relating to Christian-endeavour work. Of a most kindly disposition, she was belov-ed by all who knew her. Her charitable nature and readin&ss to assist any in need was a worthy example of benevolenco. To mourn her loss Mrs Smith lenves five sons, Messrs Joseph Smith, of Cambridge, Harry Smith, Frank Smith, Thomas Smith, all of Dannevirke, David Smith, of Taradale, and thrcc daughters, Mrs F. Green, of Wellington, Mrs W. Sargisson and Mrs A. Flint, bcth of Palmerston North. She also lr-aves. 27 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. The funeral will take place at tho Taradale cemetery to-morrow afternoon.