Obituary

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 404, 12 July 1928, Page 13

Obituary

mr. t. McDowell MAYOR OF ROTORUA ' The death of Mr. Thomas McDowell, Mayor of Rotorua, occurred to-day at the age of 76 years, after three months’ illness. He was a member of the Tauranga Harbour Board, and other public bodies, and was widely respected. A widow, two sons and two daughters, all married, survive him. Mr. McDowell was a native of Coatbridge, Scotland, and came to the Dominion in 1863, settling first at Christchurch, and afterwards was in business at Waimate, Waikare. Burwood and Mayfield. His resignation as Mayor was accepted earlier in the week, when Mr. J. N. McLean was appointed to fill the position. MRS. SOPHIA PALMER The death occurred at Motumaoho, near Morrinsville, of Mrs. Sophia Palmer, aged 82 years, an old identity of the Hunua district. The deceased and her husband, the late Mr. Corrie Palmer, who was drowned 41 years ago while fording a stream, took up her residence at Hunua half a century ago. About 15 years ago she went to live with a daughter, Mrs. S. A. Ferguson, of Motumaoho. She is survived by three sons and one daughter. MR. H. J. S. ELLIS Mr. Howard J. S. Ellis, who retired from- the position of headmaster of the New Lynn School last February, after serving 44 years with the Auckland Education Board, died at liis home on Tuesday, at the age of 63. In the last few years of last century Mr. Ellis had control of the Ngar.uawaliia school, and from 1900 to 1910 he was at the Aoroa School in Northern Wairoa. During his 17 years at New Lynn the attendance increased from 110 to 700. In April, ISBB, he married Mary, second daughter of Rhoderick Finlaj'son, of Waipu, one of the original Nova Scotian settlers. Mr. Ellis is survived by his wife and seven children. Misses C. M., E. L. and C. J. Ellis, of New Lynn; Mr. S. H. Ellis, M.8.E., of Suva, Fiji, R. F. and C. C. Ellis, of Kaipara Flats and F. C. Ellis. The funeral, which took place this morning, was largely attended by representative educationalists and residents of the district. An impressive touch was lent by the senior pupils of New Lynn School who lined the grounds as the cortege left the house. After a short service at St. Thomas’s Church the interment took place at Waikumete Cemetery. Many beautiful wreaths were laid on the grave.