Mrs H. E. Shepherd

Taupo Times, Volume V, Issue 207, 20 January 1956, Page 5

Mrs H. E. Shepherd

The. death in Wellington last month of Mrs H. E. Sihepherd, of Taupo, brought a great sense of loss to her many friends. Pollowing the death of her husband, who was the Ohief Judge of the Maori Land Oourt, Mrs Shepherd continued to reside at the home in the Old Napier Road, Waipahihi, Taupo, in which they had taken up permanent residenee on Judge Shepherd's retirement. Mrs Shepherd, who had visited many parts of the country to which Judge Shepherd's duties took him, was keenly interested in the welfare of and the probemls confronting the Maori people. She had many friends among them, both in Taupo and elsewhere, who will mourn her death and miss her friendly and wise counsel. She was keenly interested in and an active member of the Maori Women's Health League, whose meetings she was always happy in attending. She took a practical interest in the matter of improved housing for tlie Maori people, and her influence was felt in connection with this in the Taupo district. Another instance of her practical and sympathitic approach was her interest in the education and trainingof Maori girls, to further which she herself took several girls to Wellington. Possessing a strong personality, Mrs Shepherd was forthright when dealing with matters which she considered important, a trait which was balanced by her keen insight into human nature and by a sense of humour, characteristics which brought her the affectionate respect of many friends of both races. Mrs Shepherd is survived by her daughter, Mrs W. G. Horne, of Wellington.