OBITUARY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4960, 9 April 1926, Page 2

OBITUARY.

MB. ERNEST JAMES WALTERS.

The death occurred in a private hospital at Auckland early yesterday morning of Mr Ernest James Walters, aged 55 years. The deceased, who was, born at Auckland, was a familiar and favourably known person im this district, having Lived at Hikutaia for upwards of 30< years, 23 years of which he was headmaster a,t the Hikutaia Public School. During the whole of his residence a,t Hikutaiadeceased never let am opportunity pass to assist his. fellow-men, and his generous, and 'friendly disposition endeared him to all whose privilege it was to come in contact with him. Many progressive undertakings weie due to the late Mr Walters’ efforts, including the erection of .the public’ hall at Hikutaia, for which he was secretary and treasurer for 13 years. During • the war deceased took a prominent part in patriotic activities, and gave generously and worked untiringly for the cause. In conjunction with his profession, deceased established a model farm on his property, 'familiarly known as “'Mauria>ena.” Here he established a purebred Jersey herd, and bred many notable animals, and was a prominent exhibitor and prizewinner at the A. and P. shows in the district. The deceased was one of tlie foundation members of the Thames Valley Jersey Breeders’ Club, Paeroa, and held the position of president for some time. A great lover and student of nature, he established a miniature zoo on his property which he took considerable .pride and pleasure in showing to visitors. Deceased, who retired frdrii the' teaching profession about seven years ago, had been in failing health tor some time, during the greater part of which he reslided with his brother a.t Kingsland. The death of Mr Walters will be keenly felt in this district, and the sympathy of a wide circle of friends is, extended to the bereaved relatives. Deceased was unmarried.-