Pioneer Laid to Rest

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 308, 30 December 1939, Page 10

Pioneer Laid to Rest

MRS. MARY BAiIKWITH, AGED 89 YEARS An old and highly respected resident of Woodville in the person of Mrs. Mary Barkwith passed away peacefully in the Dannevirke Hospital on Wednesday last after many months of suffering patiently borne, her death being not unexpected. Born at Stowmarket, Suffolk, on ! December 14, 1850, the late Mrs. Barkwith married, at Islington, London, on May 19, 1872, James Gabriel Barkwith, an engineer in the Royal .Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock. After eleven years of married life in London Mr. and Mrs. Barkwith and four daughters embarked for New Zealand in the steamship British. King, which arrived in Wellington on December 22, 1883. After a period of two years’ residence in Masterton the family removed to Woodville, where Mr. Barkwith commenced business as a mecnanical engineer and locksmith. During her 54 years' residence in Woodville the late Mrs. Barkwith was associated with practically every move for the welfare of the town and district. She was one of the foundation members of the Ladies’ Jubilee Benevolent Society, formed at the time of the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria, for the purpose of raising funds for the relief of the many distressed families in Woodville at that time. Her services to this organisation as secretary for 13 years were particularly noteworthy and were recognised by the presentation of a brooch when the society disbanded in 1900. Her generous and kindly disposition made her widely known and even after the disbandment of the society many looked to her and were assisted in times of trouble. The late Mrs. Barkwith was also among the foundation members of Holy Trinity Church Ladies’ Guild to which she rendered outstanding service over a lengthy period. Her husband predeceased her 28 years ago. The family of four daughters and one son left to mourn their loss are Mrs. H. J. Whitelaw (Khandallah), Mrs. H. W. Allan (Hataitai), Mrs. T. Hughes (Petone), Miss D. Barkwith (Woodville) and Mr. A. D. Barkwith (Palmerston North). There are thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grand-children. The funeral took place to the Woodville cemetery at 10 a.m. yesterday. That the deceased lady enjoyed great popularity was evidenced by the iengthy cortege and the wealth of floral tributes. The services at Holy Trinity Church and graveside were conducted by Rev. B. P. Williams and largely attended. Mr. R. A. Offwood presided at the organ at the church where, included in the service was the late Mrs. Barkwith’s favourite hymn, “Abide With Me.” The pall-bearers were Messrs Colin Allan, Ivan Allan, Drummond Allan, Nelson Whitelaw (grandsons), Will King (nephew) and Jack Charles.