DISTRICT NEWS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 589, 3 December 1920, Page 1

DISTRICT NEWS.

MANUREWA.

WAR MEMORIAL

PREMIER TO UNVEIL.

It is expected that the war memorial monument will be completed in the course of a few days. The Prime Minister has expressed his pleasure in acceding to the request to perform the unveiling ceremony. Due notice of this event will be advertised in the "Times." The new brick school at Manurewa is now in course of erection and will be a decided acquisition. Mr. T. Bell is the contractor.

Mr. T. J. Corin, the successful tenderer for our new post office, expects to be well under way with the building early in the New Year. The members of the Church of England intende to erect a commodious Sunday school and social hall very shortly. The funds had a substantial addition through the recent sale of work.

MAUNGATAWHIRI VALLEY.

PASSING OF A PIONEER.

MR. JAMES McPHERSON,

By the recent death of one of the oldest residents in Maungatawhiri, I the Dominion has lost another of its pioneer builders, in the person of the late Mr James McPherson, at the age of 71. Mr Jas. McPherson was born in Aberdeen (Scotland). He came to New Zealand 48 years ago in the "Helenslee," landing at Auckland. This was about three months after the arrival of the "Bombay." He first settled down on a ten-acre emigrant's allotment at Pokeno, and a [Yv. years later went to Maungatawhiri Vail.n, taking up 130 acres. On this land'iic resided until shortly before his denti: Decea.Mil was for fifteen years clerk nf the I'okenu Road Board. He '.'. is also i member of the Presbylenai Church Committee for many years, and was well liked and respected in the district. The surviving relatives are his widow, and a sister (Mrs Comes, of Te Mata), Mrs. S. P. Pendergrast, of Maungatawhiri Valley, is a daughter, at whose residence the death occurred. The late Mr. McPherson was a man who inspired confidence in all with whom he came in contact, his word being his bond. He was of the good old type of pioneer that has laid the foundations of the Dominion's present prosperity, and whose dwindling numbers represents an irrevocable loss to the country.