Death of “Bill" Jenkins.

Manawatu Herald, 30 September 1902, Page 3

Death of “Bill" Jenkins.

Mr W. Jenkins, commonly known as «< Bill ” Jenkins— one of the oldest pioneer settlers on this coast—died peacefully at his residence, Otaki, m the early hours of Friday morning. Deceased has been ailing for some considerable time, having broken up m health some two years or more ago, and for some little tinie it was known that the end was not far off. Death was due to a general break-down, owing to old age. The late Mr Jenkins was born in Kent, England, and arrived in New , Zealand in 1830, and has resided here ever since—the greater portion of the time at Otaki and neighbourhood. So far we have beea unable to ascertain his exact age, but he was somewhere lo the neighbourhood of 85 years. For year* after his arrival in the colony ha followed whaling pursuits and he had many dealings with the Natives in the times of the great Rauparaha, with whom the deceased was intimately acquainted. Mr Jenkins distinguished himself daring the stranding of the City of Auckland at the mouth of the Otaki river some thirty odd years ago, by gallantly assisting in the rescue of a large number of immigrants from the vessel, and on many other occasions has lent valuable assistance In times of shipwreck and boating accidents. He was a noted jockey, and mounted in races oven when quite an old manDeceased was a most active and vigorous man, and must have had an iron constitution, for despite the hardships be endured, he possessed extraordinary strength for a man of his great age, and even up to within three or four years of his death frequently walked many miles at a brisk pace, and could do a bard day’s work in keeping with many very much his junior in years. Deceased was married twice, his first wife being a native. His present wife _ is sister of Mr A. Garment and Mrsjiv Ho loaves three or four children as the resuit of the first marriage, and nine sons and four daughters hy his second wife. Further particulars ot the history of deceased will appear in a future issue.—Mail.