Obituary

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 540, 18 December 1928, Page 13

Obituary

MR. JOHN WEBB One of Opotiki’s pioneers, Mr. John Webb, died yesterday at the age of 76 years. He was born at Tavistock, Devonshire. England, in 1852. The late Mr. Webb when a young man went to America, and later he returned to England. Subsequently he left the Old Country with # his parents and family for Xew Zealand. At first he settled in the Bay of Islands where he married. Forty-five years ago he -went to Opotiki, where he had resided ever since. He was a member of the old Town Board, and was one of the founders of the Opotiki Foresters’ Lodge, of which he was a member for over 50 years. lie was a member for 48 years of the Masonic Lodge and was four times master of the lodge. He held the distinction of being a life member of both these lodges, also of the Princess Mary Rebekah Lodge. Mr. Webb took a keen interest in bowling. He leaves six sons and daughters, 26 grand-children and one greatgrandchild. MR. JOHN H. GRAHAM Another old resident of Auckland, Mr. John Hawkins Graham, died at a private hospital on Sunday at the age of 83. Born in Coburg Street, which is now named Kitchener Street, Auckland, Mr. Graham was a son of the late Mr. George Graham, of Brighton, England, who was actively concerned in the early days of Xew Zealand. After serving in the Maori War of 1863 he married Miss Sarah Morgan, the youngest daughter of the Rev. John Morgan, of Te Awarautu, one of the earliest missionaries in the Dominion. Tie was engaged in farming in many parts of the Auckland Province, but mostly in the Waikato. He was wellknown in Turua and in Huntly, where for a number of years he kept a store. Mr. Graham is survived by three daughters, the Misses M. and C. and W. T. Graham, of Shelly Beac/i Road. Mr. J. B. Graham, of Devonport, is the onlyon© of his seven brothers alive. MR. HENRY H. PRIME Mr. Henry Herbert Prime, who died at his home, Great South Road, Ellerslie, on Sunday- at the age of s§, was born in Auckland and on leaving school served his time in the hardware trade. For many years he and his brother carried on a hardware business in Karangahape Road, Mr. W. Goodfellow being later associated with him. The Prime Hardware Company, Hamilton, was established by Mr. Prime five years ago, and until illhealth compelled him to retire, nine months ago. he supervised the business. Ho was well-known in musical circles and acted as organist for many Auckland churches. For two years he was organist at St. Paul’s Methodist; Church. Hamilton. Mr. Prime is survived by his wife, two sons. Mr. K. Prime, Hamilton, and Mr. D. Prime. Paeroa, and one daughter, Mrs. C. E. Shakeshaft, Hamilton. MR. A. J. BATEMAN A well-known business man of Thames, Mr. Alder James Bateman, died yesterday at the age of 58, after a short illness. Mr. Bateman was connected with the Thames Fire Brigade for 24 years and was a member of the Thames Schools Committee and the Technical Advisory Board. Tie had been a member of the Thames County Council and had been prominently interested with sporting and athletic organisations.

Southerners Win Boat Race Christ’s College colours crossed the line first on the Wanganui River today in the annual rowing contest with Wanganui College. The river was calm. Christ’s College forged ahead from the start with a long swinging stroke and won by about a length and a-quarter.