OBITUARY.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 108, 28 November 1918, Page 2

OBITUARY.

Mrs R. L. Hope. On Sunday last the epidemic claimed its first victim at Matamata, Mrs R. L. Hope, the wife of Mr Rowland Lewis Hope, of Waharoa road, dying after a short illness in. the Matamata Private Hospital. The deceased was only thirty years of age and leaves seven young children, ranging in ages from ten years to one month, and a widower to mourn their loss. The deceased lady Muriel Beatrice, was the second daughter of Mr and Mrs Richard Vercoe, of Waikino. She came to Matamata with her husband several years ago. Much sympathy has been extended to the husband for both he and deceased were very popular residents. The funeral took place on Tuesday, and was attended by a large number of friends and residents. Mi» Edwin G. Beeson. In Auckland, on Saturday, a well-known and popular Matamata resident —Mr Edwin (Ned) G. Beeson, died as a result of contracting influenza-pneumonia. The deceased was 42 years of age, and had lived all his life in the Thames Valley district. He recently purchased " The Tower " farm, and bidded fair to maintain the traditions of the Matamata homestead. " Ned " was a firm friend to.those in need and was a favorite among his acquaintances. It is but a few months since the news of the death of a brother (Basil) was received. from the front. The district's sysmpathy has been extended to his wife and his mother, now resident in Auckland. The funeral was to have been held in Matamata on Monday, but the health department would not allow it, so that it took place in Auckland. Mr V. L. Miles. The second death at Matamata through the epidemic occurred on Tuesday evening, Mr "Jack" (Victor Leslie) Miles passing away. He was moved from Turanga-o-moana to his wife,s parent's residence in Matamata, (Mr and Mrs J. Mateer) about eight day ago suffering from influenza. This turned into pneumonia, and on Sunday his case became serions. He passed peacefully away, in his sleep, about nine o'clock on Tuesday evening. He leaves a wife, who is also ill with influenza, two children, his parents, three brothers, (William H., Frank and Fred) and three sisters to mourn their loss. The funeral took place yesterday at Matamata, the cortege being a very long one. The deceased although of a quiet disposition, was very favorably known in the district, his devotion being to his family, and the perfection of his fathers and his own farms. He was born at Ashburton 35 years ago, and entered into partnership with his father as contractor for the Cheviot County council. Much sympathy has been extended to his sorrowing relatives.