OBITUARY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4973, 12 May 1926, Page 2

OBITUARY.

MIR. JAMES BARRETT. The death of Mr James Barrett at his residence, Waihi Road, Paeroa, yesterday morning removes one of the last links of the old identities in the Ohinemuri district. Deceased, who was, born at Brandon, County Cork, Ireland, arrived at Victoria 65' years ago, and after two years’ residence in ■ Melbourne he came to New Zealand and proceeded to the West Coast goldfields at Hokitika. Shortly after the discovery of gold at Thames: he arrived in that district. Deceased and hist party were the first to discover gold at Owharoa, where they worked the Smile' of Fortune mine. Deceased la.ter mined with success at Waitekauri and district. The late Mr Barrett Was in business as a butcher at Paeroa. for 25 years, and' had the first slaughterhouse in the district. At that time it was situated op the site now occupied by the late Mr J. Couper’s, residence on Waihi Road. The first butcher’s shop was in Cassrels Street, on the site now Occupied by Mr Barakat’s residence. Some twenty years ago deceased retired to his 'farm on Waihi Road, and despite his great age he had enjoyed good health and was in full possession of, his faculties up to the time of his 'death. Of a most liberal and generous-hearted nature, Mr Barrett had a host' of friends on the goldfields:, many e.f whom had reason to be grateful to the deceased for his, ready assistance and kindly advice. Of a rather retiring disposition, he did not take a prominent part in local body affairs, but he never lost an opportunity eff assisting the progress and development of the district. To the widow, one daughter, and five sons ,w)ho arc left to mourn their loss: the sincere sympathy of, a wide circle of friends is extended. Tlie funeral took place at the Paeroa Cemetery this afternoon, the Rev. Father Dunphy conducting the last solemn rites.