PIONEER’S DEATH

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 841, 9 December 1929, Page 14

PIONEER’S DEATH

MRS. ANN SMITH OF BUCKLAND SETTLER OF ’SIXTIES Memories of Auckland in the ’sixties are recalled by the death early this morningr, of Mrs. Ann Smith, one of the pioneer settlers of Buckland. Mrs. Smith, who was 92 years of age enjoyed good health almost to tbe end and was in full possession of all her faculties. A native of Killankare, County Cavan, Ireland, Mrs. Smith was born on June 1, 1838. The only daughter of Mr. Andrew Clark, a blacksmith and wheelwright, Mrs. Smith lived with her parents until her marriage. Two years later, with her husband and child she left for New Zealand in the ship Dauntless, ariving in Auckland after

a rough passage of five months in 1865. Off the coast of Australia the Dauntless sighted the ship Fiery Star, which had caught fire at sea, and rescued some of the crew of the illfated vessel. Mr. and Mrs. Smith acquired land in the Mauku district on which they built a whare and farmed the property for three years. The settlers had to clear and burn the bush before any kind of building could be erected. When there were rumours of a Maori rising, Mr. and Mrs. Smith took up land at Tuakau where they farmed successfully for over 25 years. The family finally moved to Buckland, where they settled. On the death of Mr. Smith, 22 years ago, Mrs. Smith went to live with her daughter, Mrs. F. McKeen of Buckland. Mrs. Smith died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. J. Handing, May Street, , Mt. Eden. She leaves a family of five daughters to mourn her loss, two sons having predeceased her some time ago. There are ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren.