WOODVILLE & DISTRICT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 161, 7 June 1940, Page 8

WOODVILLE & DISTRICT

PASSING OF A PIONEER..—LATE .MR JOHN MURRAY, The name of John Murray lias been connected with Woodville since its settlement. The second to bear that name, the late Mr John Murray, of Pinfold Road, passed away on June 4 at the age of 76 years. He was born in South Africa, and came to New Zealand with his parents before lie was two years old. Shortly after their arrival his father took up a bush section in Woodville and there the deceased was brought up and resided until the time of his death. A residence of over 70 years on the one farm is not a very common occurrence in this 1 ' country. As a youth, the late Mr Murray worked as a shepherd on the Mangatoro station, near Dannevirke, owned at that time by the late Captain Hamilton, and it is interesting to note that his last appearance in public was at the Kumeroa dog trials a few weeks ago, when he competed with liis dog Fay. A devout adherent of the Roman Catholic Church, the late Mr Murray possessed a character permeated by Christian principles, and though quiet and unobtrusive of disposition, he was inflexible on matters of right and justice. One might differ from John Murray in opinion, but one had to respect him. and that is probably one of the chief reasons \vliy he was. elected to the executive of almost every local body and public institution in the district. From his youth right up to old age he was an enthusiastic member of the Woodville Municipal Band, and he and. some of his brothers may be seen in old photographs of the band in its palmiest days when it took part in competitions with considerable success. The Woodville A.- and P. Association was another of Mr Murray’s interests from its inception, and he not only served as a committeeman and vice-president, but also was one of its chief exhibitors. particularly of pedigree Jersey c tie, in respect of which the insignia “Erinview,” it is no exaggeration to say, is known among Jersey breeders ifll over New Zealand. His eldest son, Mr M. D. Murray, carries on the tradition and- is a recognised authority and judge of the breed From 1904 the late Mr Murray was a steward of the Woodville District Jockey Club until he retired in 1936 owing to his failing eyesight. For many years he was a member of the judicial committee and other subcommittees The Woodville County Council, of which he was chairman for four years, claimed his time and energy for a decade or more. He saw transport in this district develop from the time of hush tracks, pack-horses and lulllock teams to sealed roads and motorvehicles. A member of the Woodville Domain Board for; many years, ho was one of those who brought alxiut the

merger of that bodj with the Gorge Domain Board, which has enabled much to lie done in developing the latter reserve. He served for many years on the directorate of tlio United Cooperative/Dairy Company, of which lie was a large supplier The deceased gentleman was a successful farmer and owed no little of his success to his helpmeet of nearly 50 years (formerly Miss Drager),. who survives him. There are also left to mourn three sons, Messrs Martin (Woodville)) John (Te llehunga) and Albert Murray (Maharahara), and

seven daughters, Mesdames C. F. Doggett (Dannevirke) and E. Hayes (Levin) and the Misses Mary, Rose, Eileen, Agnes and Rita Murray. To them all the sympathy of the community has been extended. The" funeral, held at the Woodville Cemetery on v Wednesday, was one of the largest seen in the district, well over 60 cars joining in the cortege. In the morning Requiem Mass was conducted by Rev. Father M. Cashman, of Pahiatua, at St. Columbkille’s Church, Woodville. The following members of the Woodville branch of the Hibernian Society carried the casketof their late esteemed club member at the church: Messrs L. Mackay, L. Skinner,*; J. Curry, E. Hayes, G. Golder and H. J. McPeak. The ceremony at the graveside was conducted by Rev. Fathers Cashman, T. Ginane (Dannevirke) and Sweeney (Eketahuna), while the.pall-bearers were representatives of local -bodies and organisations of which the late Mr Murray had been a member —Messrs M. O. Grainger (representing the County Council), G. Peebles (Jockey Club), R. H. Morgan (Domain Board), J. C. Bolton (A. and P. Association), A. F. Curry (United Dairy Company) and W. H. foogood (Kumeroa Sheep Dog Trial Club). The large number of floral emblems bore silent testimony to the respect in which, the deceased gentleman was held throughout Woodville and the neighbouring districts. As a mark of respect the flag at the County Council Chambers was flown at halfmast on Wednesday..

NOTES. Tlie first of a series of prayer meetings to be held under the auspices of the Woodville Clergy Association took place in the Methodist Church on Tuesday evening. The association considers that services of this nature are necessary in view of the present crisis. There was an attendance of 60 at the meeting on Tuesday, illustrating that the public fully realises the value and significance of the move. The service) was conducted by Rev. T. Coatsworth| while the address was given by RevJ B. P. Williams, who dealt with the subject of prayei: in its various as pdets. ' ' ■ y - I There was a good attendance at tfc annual general meeting of the Kunfroa Domain Board held in the R»meroa Hall. The finances were repoqfcd to be in a very satisfactory eondit|n. The following were appointed a Jfew board: Messrs W. H. Toogood, | A. Ramsden, W. Norman, C. Maokie IMackay, J. Little, W. Miller, A.jjfiast and W. C. _ Arrow. Mr Toogood fwas elected chairman, Mr Arrow jbc-re-taryi; and Mr Ramsden treasureij