OBITUARY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 579, 29 October 1920, Page 2

OBITUARY.

THOMAS GRAY USHER. The late Thomas Gray Usher, who passed away last week at Pukekohe, was born at Birtley, Durham, in 1839. When quite a young, man he followed the occupation of mining in South Wales, and soon after his marriage he came out to Australia in the sailing ship Melmerley, the voyage a! that time occupying a period of about three months. Here he agaii. engaged in mining, and on coming to New Zealand was made underground manager at the Kawakawa coal-mines. Bay of Islands. For the past thirty eight years he resided in Pukekohe. where he carried on a butchery busi ness for eight years, and then acted as clerk to the Pukekohe West Road Board for a further period of hfteer years. In this capacity he became well acquainted with the district con trolled by that body, and was held in high esteem by the settlers with whom he came in contact. After resigning this position he lived in retirement at his residence in Street, but always took a keen interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the district.

The large and representative gathering at the funeral, which took place on Wednesday last, testified to the esteem in which deceased was held.

He leaves a widow, two sons and four daughters to mourn their loss.

Deceased was an esteemed member of the Pukekohe Methodist Church, and as a mark of ''espect memorial services were'conducted at the church on Sunday last by Revs Olphert and Hooper.