PASSING OF A PIONEER

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 521, 9 April 1920, Page 3

PASSING OF A PIONEER

BOMBAY RESIDENT.

MR. WM. EVANS,

("Times" Correspondent.)

Few remain of that hardy, band of pioneers who transformed the dense bush of the Bombay Hill into the prosperous pastures of today. One of their number waß laid to rest on Good Friday, being Mr. William Evans, in his 74th year. Arriving in New Zealand on the sailing ship "Percy," in the year 1866, he experienced those hai>d times which existed before the opening of the Thames goldfields. Fo£ some years goldmining engaged his attention in different parts of the Coromandel Peninsula, he being for some time shift boss in the Royal Oak mine, and amongst his most cherished possessions was a beauti-fully-insciSbed watch presented to him by the workers of the Royal Oak. A true optimist, and a lover of fun, he was a keen supporter of all sport, especially cricket, which he played for many years in the days when a full day was devoted to a match, and the visiting teams were right royally treated. The deceased leaves a family of 10 children, six daughters and four sons, all married; forty-nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.