OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24399, 10 September 1940, Page 8

OBITUARY

MR GEORGE TODD

Mr George Todd, who died at his residence in Highgate, Maori Hill, on Friday last after a somewhat lengthy illness was a well-known citizen of Dunedin. Mr Todd, who was born at Guillane, Scotland, had reached the age of 90 years. As a lad he went to school on the Isle of Man, and in 1862, at the age of 13, came to New Zealand with his parents, from Scotland in the sailing ship Chariot of. Fame. His family settled at Opawa, Christchurch, for a few years, and later Mr Todd, who was engaged in a stock agency and auctioneering business, was at Balclutha from 1877 to 1880 and at Invercargill from 1885 to 1887.

He was a well-known figure throughout Otago owing to his many visits to the country districts. In 1896 he was appointed by Mr R. J. Seddon to the chairmanship of the Assets Board, a position which he occupied for 10 years, living in Wellington. He realised many very large properties in both city and country areas for the board. When the work of the Assets Board was completed he joined Messrs McLeod Bros., Ltd., occupying the position of manager of that conv. toany for a period of 15 years. On his retirement he accepted a seat on the board of directors and remained- a member until his death, taking an active interest in the affairs of the company until some four months ago. Mr Todd's wife, who prior to marriage was Miss Elespie King, died in November, 1931, and there was no family. The only relative in New Zealand is Mrs Josephine Day, .formerly, of Perth, Western Australia, who has resided with him for the last four Years. He was an enthusiastic golfer from the early days <of the game in Dunedin and was largely instrumental m securing the Balmaeewen golf course property for the Otago Golf- Club. He was an honorary life member of the Club. ■■■'■ ';.'■'•.' ;■' ■ :"", '■•'•'; ~, •. •;.'■' .', .; MR WALTER ROSS ' • The death occurred recently of Mr Walter Ross, who was in his ninetyfifth year. He was the last of the early residents of the Shag Valley district. Mr Ross, who was born at Altass. Sutherlandshire, Scotland, on November 2, 1845, sailed from Glasgow for New Zealand with his wife and two children, his parents, and a brother and a sister, in the sailing ship Dunedin, which was under the command of Captain Whitson, and arrived at Port Chalmers on December 2, 1876. An infant daughter died on the voyage. On arrival in the colony Mr Ross, who was a blacksmith by trade, commenced business on his own account at Macrae's Flat but within a short time he accepted a position as blacksmith with Sir Francis Dillon Bell on his Shag Valley station. He remained in the employment of the Bell family for 42 years. On his retirement, he went to live in Palmerston. Five years ago Mrs Ross passed away, and thereafter Mr Ross resided with his daughter at Shands, near Outram. He was held in high esteem by all with whom he came in contact. The funeral took place at Palmerston. the Rev Mr French officiating. Mr Ross is survived by two sons. Mr Thomas Ross, of Middlemarch,, and Mr Fowler Ross, of Dunedin. and a. daughter, Mrs David McDonald, of Shands.

MRS D. S. MASON ' The death occurred on' August 23 .of Mrs D. Sinclair Mason, whose husband was known in many parishes of the South Island from Marlborough to Southland. Wherever he was stationed Mrs Mason stood at his side, a true helpmate and companion, sharing all the joys and problems of a "hardworking minister's hard-working wife. Their home was open to all, and service was the keynote of her life, which furnished a shining example of unselfish devotion and bright Christian character. She had a family of four, one of whom, Miss Essie Mason, died in 1911. The surviving members are Mr David Mason (Bluff), Mrs W. L. Harris' (Kurow) and Mrs J. Taylor (Wairuha). MISS JESSIE EWART (Special ro Daily Times) AUCKLAND, Sept. 9. The death has occurred in Auckland of Miss Jessie Ewart. who was formerly well known in the nursing profession. She was born and educated in Dumfries-shire, and came to New Zealand from Scotland with her parents about 50 years ago. bhe. began her training as a- nurse in the Christchurch Hosoital in 1895. and wot. so much distinction that five years later she was appointed lady superintendent of the Southland Hospital and its related institutions. This position she held until her retirement in 1924. She had resided in Auckland for' •* number of years.