OBITUARY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3685, 1 September 1927, Page 2

OBITUARY.

AUGUSTUS SPENCER EASTON, AGED 87 YEARS. The death of Mr. A. S. Easton, at the ripe age of 87 years, removes one of Foxton’s oldest and best known settlers. The death took place at his residence, “Te Ngaio,” No. 1 Line, on Thursday afternoon, following a period of failing health. The late Mi 1 . Easton was born at Peekham, near London. As a young man he migrated to Melbourne to join his brother. Attracted by the gold rush in Otago 'lie came to New Zealand and; participated in the .rush at Gabriel’s Gully, Waitahuna and Shotover. After a period in Dunedin, he again tried his luck on the West Coast diggings and subsequently entered business in Wellington. In 1808 he married Miss Sarah W'hebby, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Whebby, pioneer settlers of Wellington, who arrived in the, ship Clifton in 1844. In 1874, Mr. Easton settled in Foxton, where lie commenced business and took up farming. In the early days, Mr. Eastog. was interested in shipping being a shareholder in the “Jane Douglas!” and he also took an active part in all matters pertaining to the welfare of Foxton. He was* a faithful and devoted member of All Saints’ Church, and took an active part in the erection of the present building and was churchwarden up to t)he time of his death, an unbroken period of 47 years. He retired from active participation in business about 30 years ago, but continued to assist any deserving object, and was keenly interested in the local Horticultural Society. After the war, Mr. Easton gave to the citizens a valuable area of land in the centre of the town as a thanks-offering, and to be used as a pleasure ground for future generations. This area is known as Easton Park. Had the late Mr. Easton lived until next year the devoted couple would have celebrated their diamond wedding. The late Mi. Easton was held in the highest esteem by all with whom he came into contact. A man of upright character, a good citizen, a loving husband and affectionate father. He leaves a widow, four sons, Messrs'F..S., A. P., and Sydney Easton, of Foxton, Charles Easton, Shannon, and two daughters, Mis. A. H. Knowles, of Palmerston North, and .Mrs. George Barber, of Auckland, to mourn their joss. The funeral will take place to-morrow, leaving deceased’s residence for all Saints’ Church at 1.30 and thence to the Foxton Cemetery, where the interment will take place.