Obituary.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 223, 25 August 1905, Page 2

Obituary.

Mrs. E. V Harris.

The death took place at Gisborne last week of Mrs Harris, mother of Mrs F. Newton and Mrs A. Symons, of Kawhia. The deceased, who was universally respected, was a very old resident of the Gisborne district. The late Mrs Harris arrived in the colony in the year 1848 and was tbe daughter of the late Mr Cbeesemao, one of Wellington’s pioneer barristers and solicitors.

Sergeant John Watson Forbes.

With great regret we have to report tbe death of Sergeant John Watson Forbes, an old Kawhia identity and an esteemed settler, which occurred at

“ Puke Kauere,’’ Oparau, on Saturday last.

Sergeant Forbes flame to the colony many years ago, and at first engaged in threshing contracis in tbe South Bland with a fair amount of success. He joined the Armed Constabu a y Fores in Wellington about 1877, and for several years resided at Alexandra, Patea and Opunake. In 1888, wben the Kawhia natives pulled down tbe harbour beacons erected by the lato Captain Fairchild, Sergeant Forbes was sent here one of 120 Armed Constabulary under Major Take. While here be did some useful work ; he was clever with all kinds of tools, either as engineer, blacksmith or carpenter, and wss noted for making a particularly good and substantial job of whatever work he undertook. The building of the barracks, and Major Tuke’s residence (now the Kawhia Police Station) was under his supervision, and he also built a private residence at “ Pukerua,” now occupied by tbe Bev. R. Mitchell. When the Constabulary were removed he was allowed tbe option of remaining in Kawhia as constable in charge of the district or gdng away with them. Iu deference to his wife’s wishes, who is a native of this place, he elected to remain heae. After a time tbe Police’ Commissioner decided to appoint a district constable to look after Kawhia, and Constable Forbes was sent to Hamilton. From theie he was transferred to Te Aroba, but only remained there a short time, being then called to Auckland, where be was promoted to the rank of sergeant. After two and a-half years service he sent in his resignation, but the Department were loth to lose his valued services and granted him twelve months' leave of absence, but Sergeant Forbes’ health was so bad that eventually he retired on a pension. Unfortunately Sergeant Forbes gradually got worse and as skated succumbed on Saturday, tbe cause being diabetes. He leaves a wife, who is the eldest daughter of the Morgan family, well known in Kawhia, and six children, to whom we tender our heartfelt sympathy. The funeral took place at “ Pukerua ” on Monday, but in accordance with the wish of deceased was a private one.