PIONEER FAMILY

Taranaki Daily News, 21 September 1940, Page 11

PIONEER FAMILY

MR. W. J. READING'S DEATH

The death of Mr. W. J. Reading, Ihe son of one of New Zealand's earliest pioneevs, has occurred at New Plymouth at the age of 85 years. Mr. Reading's parents were the late Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Reading, Wellington, and Ihe yas born at Karori on July 27, 1855, 15 years after his father's arrival in the eolony. He was educated at Karori, entering the drapery business there with his brother-in-law, Mr. (J. Low. Later lie established a further business with Messrs. Clarke and Street on Lambton* Quay, but he eventually took over the Reading estate and until his retirement in 1923, farmed in the M. nawatu. While in the Manawatu, he was an active member of the Levin Horticultural Society and ari ardent church worker, while in 1915 he was appointed a J.P. On his retirement, he lived at New Plymouth and for some years was a member of the New Plymouth Bowling Club. Mr. Reading's parents arrived at Petone in March, 1840, on the steamship Duke of Roxburgh. His father was prominent in Wellington aflairs during the early days of settlement and, with the Honv J. Jdhrison, represented the country. district on the first Privy Council. He was elected to the council in August, 1856, and was returned i-i May, 1869. A member of a choral society in Birmingham prior to his emigration, he pioneered choral work in New Zealand, establishing, in conjunction with the late Mr. G. Hunter, the first society in Wellington. He also was an active church worker, teaching a Sunday school for 22 years without missing a Sunday. Mr. W J. Reading is survived by his wife, Mrs. L. Reading, Courtenay Street, New Plymouth, a son, Mr. H. G. Reading, Auckland, and two daughters, Mrs. Ij. R. Retter, Hamilton, and Mrs. H. Retter, Palmerston North.