Early Settler Passes

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 29, 4 February 1937, Page 12

Early Settler Passes

MR. FRANCIS ROBBIE. The passing of Mr. Francis Robbie, at an early hour ou January 30, at his lato residence 330 Albert street, Palmerston North, brought to a close tho life of another of our pioneer settlers. The third son of tho late Mr. James Robbie, Mr. Francis Robbie was born at Papanui, Christchurch, in 1871. la 1890 he accompanied his parents to Bunuythorpe, where he was engaged on his father's farm, and in pioneer bush felling in tho Harbour Board B'iock along with his brother, tho late Mr. James Robbie, who died in 1934. In 1894 the two brothers rode from Bunnythorpe to take up adjoining sections of land in the Waihoki Valley, Tiraumea, where they succeeded with j infinite patience and toil in converting the virgin bush into smiling farmland. In 1919 Mr. Robbie took up his residence in Palmerston North and later took an active interest in the welfare of the llokowhitu School, serving on the committee for a number of years, though he continued his farming activities until the commencement of his illness a few weeks ago. Mr. Robbie was the fortunate possessor of a very happy and lovable disposition, which endeared him to a very wide circle of friends throughout tho Wairarapa, Manawatu and llorowhenua districts. Modest, kindly and sympaI tlietic, his gentle nature will bo long remembered by those privileged to have known him. Besides his widow, formerly Miss Mary Stuart Cox, of Temai, Wairarapa, ho is survived by six sons, Messrs. Stuart, Gordon, Norman (Shannon), Harold (Pongaroa), Lawrence and Keith Robbio (Palmerston North), three daughters, Mrs. T. C. Sorensen (Pongaroa), Mrs. C. M. McNaught (Wanganui) and Miss L. Robbio (Palmerston North), two brothers, Mr. C. E. Robbie (Haunui) and Mr. T. Robbio (Hclensville), and two sis tors, Mrs. J. 11. Coates (Christchurch) and Mrs. J. Moody (Tokomaru). ,