OBITUARY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 278, 18 November 1908, Page 4

OBITUARY.

MR. ROBERT CUNNING HAM. One by one tin; old pioneers of the Taranaki district are fast disappearing from our midst and we have to chronicle I the donth of Mr. Robert Cunningham which took place yesterday. The late deceased gentleman arrived ill New Zealand with the 05th -Regiment ab-m! 185 U. He was born in Kanbridg<\ County Down, Ireland, and was in hi* 21st year when lie enlisted. . After being in the colony for a short time lie purchased his discharge and was married to Mary Anne Loveridge in 1852. He was engagd in business for many years, and kept a shop in Devon street.' lie served in the Militia during the .Maori war and was a sergeant in No. 2 Company and held the New Zealand war medal. The deceased was one of the oldest Masons in the district, also one of the oldest Oddfellows of the Loyal Egmont Lodge, lie receiwd a military grant of land for his Imperial services in what was known as the Uerman settlement in the Hua and Waiwakaiho district. He also identiM himself with the Discharged Soldiers' Association, which was formed to protect their interests. He was always knows for his many acts of kindness to his fellow settl"i's, no deserving ease ever having been refused assistance by him. Although a quiet, unassuming mall, his advice "was generally soiigln , by old soldiers and others. Among | those left to mourn their loss are his! Avidiow, -Mrs. pi., Ai iC'iiuninglia-u; Messrs. John Cunningham, Melbourne; Itobevt Cunningham, Waitara; L. Cunningham, Tikorangi; E. Cunningham, ChristcTiureh; Mrs. Woods, Chicago; Mrs. J. Paul, Now Plymouth; Miss A. Cunningham, New Plymouth; Mrs. S. Holford, Wellington; and Mrs. E. P. Webster, New Plymouth.