OBITUARY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1088, 27 August 1912, Page 2

OBITUARY.

MRS. MARY EDWARDS, AGED 82 YEARS.

It is our sad duty to record the passing of another pioneer, in the person of Mrs Mary Edwards, relict of the late Mr Thos. Edwards, which took place at her residence, Robinson Street, on Saturday afternoon, after a brief illness. The old lady had enjoyed comparatively good health until recently, when she was attacked with influenza, which hastened her end. Mrs Edwards was beloved by all with whom she came in contact by reason of her gentle Christian spirit and hospitable nature. She was born in Eddystone, Scotland, and on her mother's side was connected with a family which for generations held the Straven estate. With her parents, Mr and Mrs Kerr, she came to Melbourne in the ship “Hornet,” sixty-two years ago, after a passage extending over aperiod of three months. Three years subsequently she married her late husband. The late Mr Edwards was one of a party which went on an exploring expedition in those early days to North-West Australia. The ship in which the party sailed was wrecked, and another vessel had to be chartered to bring them hack to Melbourne. The roving spirit of her husband brought him to New Zealand to spy out the land. He was the guest of the soldiers during the Maori war in the Waikato, and went hack to Australia carrying with him a very favourable impression of this country. Some time later he brought his wife to New Zealand, arriving at Dunedin by the ship South Australia —about nine years alter their marriage. Mr Edwards purchased land in this and the Palmerston district irom the Government when it was first thrown open lor settlement. Mr and Mrs Edwards decided to settle on their section at Moutoa. They arrived with their family at the Heads by coach from Wellington, and transhipped into a dray which conveyed them to their home, Moutoa was then a wilderness of bush and flax. The pioneers soon got on friendly terms with the Mauris, who proved very hospitable ■in those early limes. The pioneering experiences of those days were borne by the deceased with a brave heart. Her husband, in conjunction with Mr John McKenzie, erected the first Qaxmill in New Zealand. It will surprise

modern millers to know that the mill had five strippers working. lvlr Edwards lived in advance of the times, so tar as the hemp industry was concerned, and the venture cost him and his partner a lo=s o: something over ,£3,000. Mr Edwards then devoted his time to his farm, and in this connection ms wiic nts h=r tall share. To relate :h.- experiences of Mrs Edwards during her forty-one vears residence in Montoa would make interesting reading. At one time the dwelling was surrounded by the flood waters of the Manawatu, and the tamily had to live in the upper rooms of the no use for seven days. About eighteen months ago Mrs Edwards decided to take up her residence in Foxion, where she remained to the -ie of her death. Out of a iamiiy of nine children, six are still living, namely R. Edwards Esq., J.P., and an exM.ivor ot Palmerston North, Mrs J. Cockburn (Rongotea), A. Edwards Mrs R. Kerr v \Vestpoit), Mrs Chamberlain v.Caii;o:ma), and Mrs A. Stansell vMakiuo). There are also a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The deceased leaves behind a record of good works and a Godly character which the survivors of the pilgrim fathers of this young laud might well envy, and loved and revered by her sorrowing family. She passed away full of years, and at peace with God aud man. The Rev J. M. Thomson, m.a., made touching reference to the deceased during the course of his sermon at the Presbyterian Church last Sunday morning. The funeral took place this afternoon, aud the remains were placed beside those of her husband,_ who predeceased her about thirteen years ago. The Rev Mr Thomson was the officiating minister.