IN MEMORIAM

Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1931, Page 6

IN MEMORIAM

THE PASSING OF A FRIEND. The passing of Mr s Mary Mclntosh of Hokitika, removes a heroine who played her part to the full in the battle of life. She was a daughter of early pioneers who had their struggles, and raised on Westland soil was indeed a worthy daughter of the country of her birth. All's Mclntosh lived a busy life. It is to her credit that she began to earn her own living very early in life, and never shirked her duties. Later, she accepted the mysteries of motherhood and was the adored mother of a large family. She was a devoted wife, and mother who went forward AJways ready to do her part. As the hostess of a large household which enjoyed a Dominion-wide reputation for homeliness and comfort, she helped to win that high place by her self-sacrificing leadership in the home. To her, work was a pleasure and a pastime. Her hands never few weary, nor her feet tired in going about the daily tasks, an active braini and mind was always planning ahead, and like a good manageress her plans never miscarried. In the midst of her busy life, which in tli'e ordinary course, would have tajicred off to a more leisurely and quiet end, the heavy hand of death claimed her as a victim, and in four short weeks, the busy, tireless life ended in a brief rest on a sufferer’s bed before the final passing transpired. All ready and willing workers are people of good heart. Mrs Mclntosh was of that hand, but she had a great heart. She was' kindness, .itself to all who knew her. Within the family circle she was the ideal mother, always thinking of her children, and never weary of working for them. Loyal and staunch to her husband site worked untiringly to the end for the benefit of those left behind. In her heart she would have it so. no doubt, for she never cared for a holiday or a respite, merely for the sake of a jaunt. Her happiest days were in work, doing the common round, but doing it, oh so faithfully.

She was gallant and courageous to fho end. Her fate overtook her rapidly, bill: she seemed to sense the coming. She would speak hopefully so as not to distress those about her, and her noble courage saved her from dwelling on the inevitable separation. As to the future, she had faith and hope in the things unseen. Her religion, perhaps, was not one of parade, hut in a well-laid life, full in the brim of good deeds, she left an example which betokened a. life of great and honest service, and with a record which is her luilo to-day. Yes, she had her faith in the future hereafter, and will sleep at pence for she passed away in the lulli loss; of hope. In her kind, considerate way for all about her, she’ would say as a poet has so appropriately expressed it: And it there he m> meeting past Ihe grave, II all is darkness, silence, yet ’tis rest Re not afraid, ye waiting hearts that weep. For God still givetli His beloved sleep. And if an endless, sleep He wills- so best.