DEATH OF MR WM. MAXWELL.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 326, 13 November 1917, Page 2

DEATH OF MR WM. MAXWELL.

One of Pukekohe's Pioneers

The death occurred in Aucklanl on Fridav last at the age of 78 years of Mr William Maxwell, who was one of Pukekohe's earliest pioneers.

The deceased, who was twice married, is survived by four sons (Messrs T. J. Maxwell, of Rama Rama; Richard and Charles Maxwell of Pukokohe, and Frank Maxwell, of Auckland) and three daughters (Mrs R. Doonen, of Matakohe, Mrs Frank Harris and Mrs F. Andrews, of Gishorne , and by 18 grandchildren, three of whom are at the fiont.

The late Mr Maxwell, who was born in County Down, Ireland, came out to New Zealand in lS(il, accompanied by hi« first wife and his eldest son and daughter, in the sailing ship Dauntless, his shipmates including Mr P. Brady (PatU-nahoe), and the late Messrs P. Henry, B. Foy, T. Woods, and W. J. McFaddyn, all of whom settled in the district in or around Pukekohe. After landing in Auckland Mr Maxwell first made his home at Howick but about \* months later came to Pukekohe and took up a section on the old Paddock Settlement at the foot of Pukekohe Hill. Some time later at the start of goldmining at the Thames he temporarily engaged in the industry there but he continued at Pukekohe for about 13 years when he sold out and went to Harrisville. Two years later he disposed of his Harrisville property and returned to-Pukekohe, where he erected and established a baker's and general store on the site now occupied by the local branch of the Bank of New Zealand Later on he was succeeded in the store business by his son, Mr Richard Maxwell, and he then started a drapery establishment at the premises in King street that were subsequently u-ed by Messrs Beatty and Marshall, butchers. On the death of his first wife he sold out and went to live in Auckland, where he again married, and he then once more came back to Pukekohe and opened a fruiterer's and confectioner's business on the site now occupied by Messrs Koulston Bros., butchers, subsequently removing that business to the premises that now form part of Lawrie's buildings Some four years ago he retired from business and went to Auckland to live, where his second wife died about a year ago. The late Mr Maxwell had the distinction of taking a prominent part in clearing what is now King street of standing bush, his assistant in the work being his oldest son Mr T. J. Maxwell) and the late Mr R. Walker At one time or another he owntd the greater part of Pukekohe, his land purchase transactions having been many and varied, no was a "member of the Militia that was called up at the time of the Maori war but he did not go into action. Although he did not engage in local government work he took an active part in getting the old Town Board established and was regarded as one of Pukekohe's leading citizens, being by everyone held in the highest respect. He was an athlete in his vounger days and was a step-dancer of no little fame. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon in the Prosbyterian portion of the Pukekohe cemetery, the Rev J. F. Martin, in the ab-ence through illness of the Rev 8. Nixon, officiating and a number of residents of the district attending. [