Obituary

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1006, 24 June 1930, Page 9

Obituary

MR. H. E. ABRAHAM The death is announced from Stratford of Mr. Harold E. Abraham, aged 48, manager since 1923 of the Stratford branch of Newton King, Limited.—P.A. MR. WILLIAM CLARIS The death of an old resident of Taranaki, Mr. William Holman Claris, occurred recently. Born in London in 184 G, Mr. Claris left there for Tasmania toward the end of the century. Ho came to New Zealand two years later, taking up bushland at Te Kiri, where he farmed for 23 years. In 1918 lie retired to Hawera and lix*ed there until his death. He is survived by his wife, three daughters and four sons. MR. J. TOWNLEY Mr. Joseph Townley, who died at his home in Union Street yesterday at the age of 88. came to New Zealand in the ship Bluejacket in 1860. During the Maori War Mr. Townley served as a member of the militia and later joined in the gold rush to Thames. Coming to Auckand, be engaged in the building trade but 43 years ago injuries received in an accident compelled him to retire. Later he was employed by the City Council as an inspectoi', retiring four years ago. He was a prominent member of the Manchester Unity Oddfellows and was treasurer of the Loyal Good Intent Lodge for 34 years. MR. F. W. BEECHEY The death occurred at the Taumarunui Hospital on Saturday morning of Mr. F. W. Beechey, one of the bestknown settlors of the Central King Country. He was born at Governor’s Bay, Xorth Canterbury, and at the age of 16 removed with his parents to Hawera, in later years becoming a Taranaki representative footbalbr. In 18SS ATr. Beechey married the daughter of Colonel Melville, at Hawera, a Crimean veteran. When the Alain Trunk line was being pushed through the King Country, Air. Beechey removed to Taihape, where he was engaged on the construction work, and iater took up farming at Utiku. Twenty-one years ago the family shifted to the Kaitieke district, where Air. Beechey became one of the bestknown pioneers. He worked enthusiastically for the establishment of the Kaitieke County, and was a prime mover in the formation of the Kaitieke Co-operative Dairy Co., Ltd. He took a keen interest in the promotion of all forms of sport, and during the war worked hard in the interest of recruiting. Though over age, he volunteered for active service, and served for a year and a-lialf in Samoa. Airs. Beechey died several months ago. One son was killed in the war. and a daughter. Airs. Connell, died in 1921. Airs. E. Hunter, of Eureka, Waikato, is a daughter.