The Late J R McDonald

Horowhenua Chronicle, 22 May 1915, Page 3

The Late J R McDonald

The late J. R. McDonald, ol Heathorloa, whose sudden death was recorded on Thursday, was one of the oldest settlers in this county. Ho was horn at Jiorowhenua, near Hokio stream, whore his father (Hector MtiDonuld) was ouo of the first settlors in these parte, and in the whaling days was notable amongst the harpooners. He was one of the first members of the Manawatu County Council, an representative of ot the Otaki district, and in many ways lie .woe prominent in movements to advance this country. In those days he was the first to take up the Horowhenua Run, and from nim the property descended to "the oldest son (Hector), and on his decease J. RMcDonald succeeded to the ownership, and subsequently acquired the Heatherlea Estate, and his possession of the properties (for the last fifteen or twenty yeare) terminated only with his death. During this long period he was connected with all the local activities. He was a member of the original "NVirokino Road Board and the HorowTienua County Club; an original inemKer" of the Obaki Racing Club, and president of the Horowhenua Racing Club. He always took a koen interest in the Horowhenua A. and V. Association, while in the realm of sport his activities wore pronounced at all times. His racing colours have been carried to victory by many a gooil noise, notably by Gold Crest, Titoki and Hopai, and lie had a good stud farm at Hcathorlea. whereon such fine sires as Mahaki. Gold Crest and \\nitnrero wore accommodated, and such not ,, hie racing niaree as The Shannon. In every movement taken to uplift the Maori race J. R. McDonald was helpful, and whenever lie spoke amongst the Maoris his tones and utterances always were listened to with pronounced appreciaConsidering the very limited oppijtamitips in the eiM-ly days l'»r obtaining education along this coast, the natural abilities must have lii-cn very considerable that enabled him to leave behind him the records that stand to his credit.