OBITUARY.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 January 1919, Page 4

OBITUARY.

LATE MP.. W. If. FEE*.. Another of Tarahaki's List disappearing band of veterans passed away ju tiie person of Mr. W, 11. i'ree at luu residence, Eliot, Street, New Plymouth, on fcUtnrday night tit the advanced age of 03.

Deceased had a long and varied career. He came out to Australia in the 'thirties as a member of the ISth l'oyal Irish as grard on a convict ship for Van Dien:i.>n's Land. Later he proceeded from Australia to Auckland and, with his regiment, took part in the Maori war in the Bay of Islands. He was iu Auckland when the Government House was burned down during the time that Sir 000. Grey was Governor, and often recounted the tact that lie Jjad assisted to rescue Lady (Jrey and carried her out of tiie house. Over CO years ago he came to and settled in Taranaki, and as a volunteer took purt in the Maori war here with the Bushrangers, under Major (afterwards Sir Harry) Atkinson,gaining his .commission as lieutenant. He was afterwards manager of Sir Harry Atkinson's estate at Tfurworth, holding that position for many yours Later lie settled in New Plvmouth, and held the position of Borough Inspector here until about 15 years ago, when he retired into private life. He was well respected and highly estuemed, and was in possession of all his faculties until shortly before his qfath. He was an enthusiastic Mason, having been an active member of Mt. Egmont Lodge for very many years, holding a numbers of offices, including that of Secretary of the Lodge. The late Mr. Free was also a prominent worker in the Manchester Unitv of Odd Fellows for many years. In ISCu, while a member of tt'ie Egmont Lodge, he was appointed the first Noble Urand of tilt- ExjeJsior Lodge nt its opening in 3803 Later on he drew his clearance from the Egmont Lodge and adiljated with the Excelsior Lodge, and on several loeensions filled the chair of Noble Grand continuing a member up to the day of his death. He was a Past Provincial Grand Master of the New Plymouth District, and took an active part in its affairs until increasing years compelled him to retire- He was the oldest Odd Fellow ir. Taranaki, having been a member over 60 years. Many years ago he was appointed a Trustee of the T.odse and retained that position until death. He is survived by a, widow and familv of two sons—Messrs W. R H Free, of the postal service, Hamilton. TT. Free, Te Kulti—and two daushters—Mrs Marvel and Mies Fmv The funeral, which will be a Masonic one. and will nl=o he attended by the Odd Fellows and Veterans, leaves the residence at 2 30 p.m. to-day