THE PASSING OF A PIONEER

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2212, 7 December 1920, Page 2

THE PASSING OF A PIONEER

MRS. ELIZA LANGLEY—AGED • 85 YEARS. There passed'away at the residence of her son, Mr Geo Langley, Maoawutu Heads, last night, one of the pioneers of this province, in the person of Mrs Eliza Langley, relict of the late William Langley, aged 85 years. The late Mrs Langley was horn in "Whiles, and married in London. Together with her husband she arrived in Wellington in 1860, and her husband was appointed by the late Sir George Grey to manage ihe Lowry Bay estate, now known as Day’s Bay. 'Here the children of the couple were horn. The writer’s parents spent many enjoyable weekends with the hospitable couple at their delightful homo, across the Wellington Harbour. Mr and Mrs Langley in the late sixties took over the hotel and ferry at the Mynawa- ;>■ In Heads, ami were held in the high- ~S esr esteem by the travelling public ! in the old coaching days. The con- ' si ruction of the railways, in the march of progress, closed the old route of travel,’ and Mr and Mrs Langley took up their residence for a time in Otaki. A few years later they returned In Buxton, where deceased has since resided. Her late husband passed away in 1805. A few years ago deceased look up her residency with her son, Mr George Langley, at the local seaside. For many years the late Mrs Langley has been a martyr to rheumatism, which she has borne with Christian fortitude and an uncomplaining spirit. During a busy life she yet found time for a great amount of reading, and was a. student, of literature. It was a privilege to verse with her on a variety of subjects. Daring the war her one desire; was that she would live to see the country she loved come out victorious in the cause of right and liberty, and despite her infirmity site did her “bit” in patriotic work. Site was not only a sterling and loyal pioneer, a devoted wife and mother, but a Christian gentlewoman, beloved by all with whom she came in contact, and her character and life will live as :<n influence for good. Deceased prior to passing peacefully away was .able to recognise members of Hie family, who wore all pro-. . sent at the dissolution. Deceased leaves two sons (Messrs Walter Langley, of Ohan, and George, Mann wain Heads), and one d.alighter. (Airs Ensign Arnold, wife of Lap- ■ lain Arnold, in charge »iL Ihe at. Masterton), and a minify}:.‘■jNP grand- and groat-grandchildren, to mourn their loss.

The j'iiuera! will hike plnec on Thnrsdny, leaving I he Heads i'or the Foxton eemelery at 1 p.m.