MAUNGATAWHIRI VALLEY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 2, Issue 125, 5 September 1913, Page 3

MAUNGATAWHIRI VALLEY.

OLD SETTLER'S DEATH. Mr William Mabey, ore of the oldest settlers ot Maungatawhiri Valley, died at Maramarua on Tuesday. Tbe deceased was a native of Dorset, Enflanj, and emigrated nearly fifty years ago. He first went to Queensland where he had the distinction of driving the first locomotive on the railways of that State. Owing to ill-health the family left for New Zealand and settled in the Bay of Plenty. The Te Kooti raid drove Mr Matey to Auckland istrict, and he first settled near his uncle, the late Mr Foote, the then owner of the Union colliery above Mercer. Shortly afterwards he took up land in Maungatawhiri Valley, where he resided until a few years ago, when he sold out and went to live with his son at Maramarua. He was noted for his sterling integrity and kindly disposition, and his funeral, which took phce yesterday afternoon, was largely attended by the residents of Maramarua, Maungatawhiri Valley, and Pokeno districts.