BEYOND THE VALE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 489, 11 July 1919, Page 2

BEYOND THE VALE.

MRS. THOMAS ELLIOT,

OLD IDENTITY OF TUAKAU AND PUKEKOHE

" A widow, Mrs Eliza Jane Elliot, ajjed 7 ', \ is found dead in bed at her residence, Fourth Avenue, Kingsland, at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. An inquest wa9 held by the coroner, Mr J. S. Wilson, S.M , who, after hearing the evidence of relations, and of the doctor, returned a verdict that d*ath was due to heart failure." Such is the brief announcement of the death of one who was well known in Pukekohe and Tuakau in the early days. The death of Mrs Thomas Elliot, widow of the late Mr Thomas Elliot, makes an addition to the long list of pioneers of this district who have passed away in recent years. This couple lived in Pukekohe when the place was literally covered with bush, and did their share in •' blazing a nation's way, with hatchet and with brand.''

When residing at Arrowsville, in the early days, Mrs Elliot did splendid service in the capacity of nurse, when a woman's presence at the bedside of the sick was not easily obtainable, and many a resident of the Tuakau district had reason to be grateful to her for valuable ministrations.

The late Mr Elliot took part in public affairs hereaway, having been a member of the Pukekohe and the Tuakau road boards, as well as serving on other bodies. Among the large family are sons who have risen to fairly good positions, Mr J. Elliot being schoolmaster at Papakura, the Rav. W. J. Eliot, Methodist Minister at Devonport, and two other sons (Messrs T. and J. Elliot) ia the railway service at Newmarket. Apart from their callings, f he Elliot family am well kni« v i in :ae athletic world, particular!/ ii enckee and football circles, when they have earned 'aurels on nitre :hu moocctsion by ttieir brilliant play, plus true sportsmanship The family may be dispel among those of wh»a Kipling, the un-er'Wii-il 1 03t laureate of Ergland, wrote -

■ For he shall desire loneliness, Ami Ins desires shall bring Hard on his heels a thousand wheels A people, and a king.

And he shall turn back o'er his own track. And by his scarce cool camp; There he shall meet the roaring : In ot. The derrick, and the stamp.

And he shall Maze a nation's way Witli hatchet and with brand, Till o'er his last won wilderness A nation's bulwarks stand."