OBITUARY

Otaki Mail, 9 January 1924, Page 3

OBITUARY

HERBERT PARKS SWAINS ON, AGED 56 YEARS. The death occurred at Otaki Hospital on Saturday morning of Mr. Herbert Parks Swainson, a well-known identity of tho district. Deceased, who was 56 years of age, was in his usual health until a few days before his death, and on New Year’s Eve conversed with friends in his usual manner. On Wednesday, however, he complained of feeling'ill and was admitted to the hospital. The late 'Mr. Swainson, 1 who was highly educated, was born in Wellington, and as a boy attended the Wellington College, with Mr. J. P. Brandon (Mayor) Mr. W. H. Field, M.P., Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P., and Mr. W. Barton. After completing his term he took up a position on the Annedate Estate (Wairarapa) and later came to Otaki, where he indulged in coaching to and from the station. He then became proprietor of the Central Hotel, and made many friends, after which he left for Nelson to take over the Post Boy Hotel. Previous to going south, however, he did farming, and at on'e time owned the Ringawhati estate. At Otaki he married Miringi Werihana, a chieftainness, and grand-daughter of the famous chief, Te Rauparaha. Deceas'ed leaves a widow, two daughters and three sons, to mourn their loss. Mrs. Kotua, at one time a highly-re-spected .resident of the Crucelles, is at present in Otaki, Mafia is chief clerk in the Federal S.S. Company, Topora, also well-known, married a renowned chieftainness, while Lucas and Tuma reside in Otaki. The deceased was a brother to Mr. Ernest Swainson, of Rata, while another brother (Jack) now of Melbourne, is well-known in this district, having boon senior partner of tho once well-known firm of Messrs Swainson and Bcvan. Miss Swainson, a sister, at present in England, was at one time principal of tho Girls’ School, at Fitzhcrbcrt Terrace, Wellington. The lata Mr.' Swainson, who possessed many friends, was interred at the Native cemetery on Sunday, when the Rev. O. F. Petrie, M.A., and the Rev. Temuera Tokoaitua conducted an impressive service. Many floral tributes, etc., were laid on the coffin.