OBITUARY

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3973, 20 July 1929, Page 3

OBITUARY

WILLIAM ROSS, AGED 79 YEARS. It is with deep regret that we have to record the death of one of the most respected and best known residents of Foxton, in the person of Mr. William Ross, of “Paretao,” Levin Road, aged 79 years. The late Mr. Ross was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1850, After marrying in iSeotland Mr. Ross came out to New Zealand in the sailing ship Rangitikei in 1881 under engagement to P. and D. Duncan, Implement Manufacturers, of Christchurch. He later became a ■partner in the firm of Booth MacDonald, also Implement Manufacturers, of Christchurch, and on behalf of that firm lie latejr established a rope and cordage factory in Invercargill. Aft-el’ the successful establishment of that, business the late Mr. Ross established a rope and cordage factory in Napier, where he Svas also responsible for (lie establishment of a woollen mill. After leaving ’Napier deceased calme to Foxton in 1906 and opened up a rope and cordage factory locally while'll operated successfully for a nmnbelr of years on the site now occupied by Messrs Ross, Rough and Co’s, flaxmill. The late Mr. Ross devoted many years of his life to the flax industry and owned the Poplar Mill at Montoa. He was a member of the N.Z. Flaxmillers’ Association and keenly interested in matters concelrning the flax industry generally. During his 23 years’ sojourn in Foxton the late Mr. Ross was also interested in farming pursuits in the Montoa and Himatangi, districts. Mr. Ross served the borough of Foxton for a short terim as la. member of the Bdm ugh Council and for many years he was associated with the Foxton Chamber of Commerce. He had not experienced the best of health during the. last twelve months and took a sudden turn yesterday and passed away at midnight last night. Deceased was predeceased by his wife some eight years ago and leaves two sons, Messrs Alex, and James (Foxton) and two daughters, Misses J. A. and X. Ross (also of Foxton). With the passing of the late Mr. Ross thalre are many people in Foxton and district who will lose a good friend. He was of a generous disposition and always ready to assist in any deserving cause or in the furtherance of any scheme for the bel leirinen't of the town or his fellow man. Of a cheerful and kindly disposition he was loved bv a large circle of friends who will 'ic'crplv feel his demise. The foneral will lake place at Foxton to-mor-row afternoon.