OBITUARY.

Otaki Mail, 24 January 1919, Page 3

OBITUARY.

MR JAS. BEST. By, the death of Mr James' Best, which occurred at'"his home, Te Hovo, early yesterday morning, the district has lost one of its most highly esteemed settlers—a man of unimpeachable character, recognised as a model settler, a friend of all, and' a real gentleman in the truest sense of the word. Mr Best enjoyed good health until about six or seven months ago, when ho underwent a slight operation, from, which he made a good recovery. However, other complications followed, one illness followed another, and from that time he was a great sufferer until his death. A few weeks ago Mr Best showed improvement, but a week back suffered a relapse, and died early yesterday morning. Mr James Best was son of Mr and Mrs Geo. J. Best., two of the oldest and most respected,residents of Ohariu Valley, and was born at “The Valley” 57 years ago. He resided there until some 16 years back, when he came to resido at To Horo, where he lived until his death- Mr Best was well known as a successful farmer, his Friesian stud being an excellent one. Ho was also one of the riiainstays of tho Methodist Church, in which he took keen interest, and was a devoted and untiring worker. His loss to tko church will bo a particularly heavy one. Deceased is survived by a wife (daughter of the late Taylor, of Tawa Flat) and three daughters —Mrs A. H. Hill (Otaki), Miss Best, and Miss Myrtle Best, and two sons (Private Harold Best and Mr Frank Best). The eldest son (Private Henry Best) made the supreme sacrifice in France, and Private Harold Bost was invalided home, pounded, only a few weoks back. Messrs P. Best (Eltkam), Jos. Best (New Plymouth), and Mrs Korslako (Palmerston North) were brothers and sister of the late Mr Best. The late Mr George Best, who died at Dannevirkc some years back, was also a brother of deceased. Much sympathy is felt with tho sorrowing relatives by a wide circle of friend;.

The funeral takes place to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon, reaching Otaki at about 2.30 p.m.