THE PASSING OF A PIONEER.

Shannon News, 30 September 1927, Page 1

THE PASSING OF A PIONEER.

JOHN WRIGHT GOWER, AGED 93 YEARS.

Brief mention was made in a recent issue of tlie death of Mr John Wright Gower, one of the pioneer settlers of tliis district, which took place at Ponsoiiltv, Auckland, on September 12th, at the advanced age of 93 years. Ilis death removes another link with the pa? t and reduces the number of those stout-hearted'pioneers who laid the foundations of settlement in this district. The late Mr Gower arrived in Now Zealand in the year 1858 and started fanning in the Nelson district. He subsequently married Miss Gapper, of Nelson. In 1872 lie came to the Manawatu district to manage the Carnarvon estate of 7000 acres, and the Moutoa estate of about 8000 acres. These properties were owned by his uncle, the late Mr L. Larkworthy, who was at tint time general manager of the Bank of New Zealand and the N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Coy., London. The properties at that time were in their natural condition of swamp and bush. In 1878 Mr Gower bought land, then standing bush and flax swamp, near Foxton, which he converted into first-class farming land, and in 1880 he removed from Carnarvon to take up his residence in Foxton. In 1888, lie purchased a block of bush land in Levin, which he improved and subsequently occupied. For a period of ten years from 189.1 lie resided at Levin, when he retired from active life and removed to Hastings, where he spent some 15 years, finally settling in Auckland. When resident in this district, the late Mr Gower took an interest in public affairs, and was one of the first members and subsequently chairman of the Manawatu County Council. He was also a member of the Foxton Borough Council when first constituted and later Mayor. Among other public activities he was associated with the Methodist Church. He was esteemed throughout the countryside, not only as a sterling settler, but as a Christian gentleman. His wife predeceased him about 30 years ago. He leaves a family of four daughters (Mesdames Hammond, Ecnwick and Robertson, of Auckland, and Powles, Lower Ilutt), and three sons, Messrs B. G. Gower (Foxton), G. Gower (Auckland), and J. A. Gower (Taupiri) to mourn their loss. The interment took place in Auckland.'

HAMUERA-WHATUITI, AGED 90

YEARS

There passed away at Matakarapa pah,-Paxton, on Sunday (says the Herald), a well-known Maori in the person of Hamuora Whatuiti (better known locally as “Sam”), at the age of 90 years, Hamuera was born in Foxton at a spot near the Post Office hotel and was educated at Otaki. He was a member of the Ngati Kaukawa tribe. As a youth he was confirmed by the late Bishop Hadfiekl and became a licensed lay reader and conducted services among his people in the church across the river. Deceased was a keen Bible student and his life was moulded on Christian principles and his kindly and cheerful manner made him a favourite with both pakeha and Maori people. Among his own people his advice and guidance was sought in settling minor differences. His wife predeceased him many years ago and he left no issue. His relatives are resident at Otaki. Some time ago when he knew his end was not far oft', he selected a spot at Matakarapa, where his remains were to be interred. His wishes in this respect are to be carried out and the funeral took place to-day.