Obituary

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 25, 30 January 1937, Page 15 (Supplement)

Obituary

MRS FANNY RAPHAEL DAVIDSON. News of the death of Mrs Fanny Raphael Davidson, wife of Rev. G. W. Davidson, vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Woodville, which occurred at the Dannevirke hospital on Sunday last following an operation, came as a shock to her many friends in the parishes where she and her husband had laboured. Rev. Davidson and his wife only returned from a holiday visit to Otago last week, where Mrs Davidson had stayed with her only sister, Mrs Paterson, at Rivers* dale, and they were planning another visit in continuation of Mr Davidson’s leave when Mrs Davidson became indisposed. She was hurried to the Dannevirke hospital on Friday to undergo an operation and although she rallied for a time she passed away at mid-day on Sunday bringing irreparable loss to her husband and sons. Born at Fort Rose, West Coast, the late Mrs Davidson was a daughter of the late Mr and Mrs James Holmes, and she was married to Mr Davidson at Invercargill 35 years ago. Their first home was at Riverton (Otago) and their next parish was Balclutha. When Canon Harper was vicar of All Saints’ Palmerston North, Rev. Davidson came us his assistant to St. Peter's, Terrace End, where he and his wife threw themselves wholeheartedly into the work of the parish Mrs Davidson being instrumental in inaugurating the fund to liquidate the church debt. They were later stationed at Puketapu and Tolago Bay, moviDg on to Otane where Mr Davidson was the first resident vicar. In that centre they remained twelve years and there, too, Mrs Davidson’s selfless service endeared her to all, Mrs Davidson never spared herself in her good work and she was a favourite with young and old. At Otane she formed a branch of the Mothers’ Union which flourished under her guidance and she was also largely instrumental in establishing St. Hilda’s home for orphan children. Thirteen years ago Mr and Mrs Davidson removed to Woodville and in the parish of Holy Trinity Church Mrs Davidson proved herself as always a worthy helpmate, identifying herself with all church activities; her kindly and generous nature winning for her a unique place in the estimation of the community. Mrs Davidson was laid to rest in the cemetery at Woodville, on Tuesday morning, sorrowing friends coming from all parts to pay their last respects. The service in Holy Trinity Church was conducted by the Bishop of Waiapu, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Williams, and at the graveside by Rev. G. P. Stephenson, of Dannevirke, assisted by Rev. H. Blathwayt, of Takapau, and Rev. Mr Buttle, acting vicar at Woodville, Four sons acted as pallbearers. A wealth of beautiful floral tributes placed on the grave testified to the affectionate esteem in which the deceased lady was held and the cortege was one of the largest ever seen in Woodville. In addition to her husband there are left to mourn their loss, five sons; Mr Alan Davidson (Hopelands); Mr Murray Davidson, mining engineer in Mexico; Mr Lloyd Davidson (North Auckland); Messrs Bruce and Peter Davidson (Palmerston North); also her sister Mrs Paterson (Otago), and two brothers, Major-General Francis Hoi-

mes, British representative for the Oil Concessions in Irak, and Mr Percy Holmes, mining engineer, Bolivia. MRS. MAUD A KIRTON, OF FEILDING. The passing on {Sunday last at her residence, Derby street, of Mrs. Maud Alice Kirton, widow of the late Mr. George Kirton, severed another link with the early settlement of Feilding and of the city of Nelson where the deceased lady was born just on 80 years ago. The late Mrs. Kirton was a daughter of the pioneering Washbourn family of Nelson and it is a coincidence that her death was followed closely by that of her eldest brother, the late Mr. H. P. Washbourn, who passed away at Nelson on Wednesday last at the age of 91 years. In her early twenties the late Mrs. Kirton came to the Feilding dis trict settling at Awahuri at the home of the late Mr. Adam McDonald, who will be remembered by early settlers for his practical interest in the welfare of the Maori. Later she moved to the infant town of Feilding to marry her late husband who was associated in the ownership of the Feilding Star with the late Mr. Curtis. Some few years afterwards Mr. Kirton acquired a farm propery in Sherwill street, known as “Te Maira, ” where the late Mrs. Kirton developed an interest in breeding pedigree Jersey cattle, commencing some 35 years ago with a nofable heifer known as “Mist.” By her enthusiasm of the breed the lato Mrs. Kirton acquired an outstanding knowledge of Jerseys and her stock was keenly sought after for the foundation of district herds. After retiring fum the farm Mrs. Kirton continued to manifest a practical interest in the Jersey breed and up and until the time of her peaceful passing she continued to maintain a representative of the breed as a house cow. Her love of animals was ever manifested in her interest in their welfare and throughout her long and active life she disclosed an understanding of their rearing and care which won for her the admiration of all who knew her. She was an enthusiastic gardener and Ibved with rare devotion the attention and cultivation of plant life. Widely known and fcigEly respected throughout the Feilding district which she had seen grow from infancy, the late Mrs. Kirton was of the true pioneering type and practical in every way. She always enjoyed excellent health and her passing will be regretted by all who knew and knew her for her sterling qualiCVs. Mrs. Kirton leaves two daughters, Mesdames G. B. Gibbons (Kirikau, Thumarunui) and D. H. Mclnness, of Feilding, and three grandchildren. The funeral took place on Monday last, the Ven. Archdeacon F. H. Petrie conducting the service which was private.