OBITUARY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9565, 11 August 1909, Page 5

OBITUARY.

MR HANS PETERSON.

The news of the death of Mr Hans Peterson, the well-known. bootmaker of this town, who was reported in yesterday's issue of this journal t; be progressing favourably after an operation, came with a suddenness that caused quite a shock to the community. The deceased, who had only been confined to his bed for a tew days, was first seized with serious illness through swallowing a piece of bone. He was taken to the Masterton Hospital and operated on. Subsequently internal complications set in, and a second operation was performed without avail, death occurring early yesterday morning. The late Mr Peterson was a fine, robust, specimen of manhood, who, by energy and enterprise, succeeded in establishing and conducting, till the time uf his decease, a most up-to-date business. Possessed of a bright, | genial disposition, he had a cheerful smile and a kind word for everyone, and these qualities won for him a wide circle of friends throughout the district, in which he was resident for nearly thirty-three years. The late Mr Peterson was born in Denmark in 1843, and at the age of twenty sailed for Australia. After residing there for twelve months he i came over to New Zealand, where he remained until the time of his death. Prior to settling in Masterton he joined in the gold rushes to Coromandei, Thames, and on the West Coast, and had many varied experiences during that period. He leaves a widow and three children, who are Mr F. W. Peterson, who is in the employ of Mr Jaa. Elliott, Mrs F. Hunn (Masterton), and Mrs H. Egan, wife of Nonstable Egan, of Blackball, who was at ons time stationed in Masterton. The funeral will leave the residence, Miriam Street, at halfpast two to-morrow aftsrnoon for the Masterton Cemetery.

A correspondent writes ton has lost in Hans Peterson, boot and shoemaker, one of its best and most valued citizens. Mr Peterson made boots and shoes for the pioneers and their families when the town was still in its infancy. Associated with Mr Parkes, now of Pahiatua, for a number of years, he carried op a, fairly prosperous business. The partnership becoming dissolved Mr Petreson became for a considerable number of years man ager for Mr Hannah, of Wellington. Of late years he carried on business on his own account. Quiet, unobtrusive, unassuming, with a kind word, and a genial smile for every customer, few men behind the counter nave established a better connection. Every old settler tar and wide knew Mr Peterso", and to know him was to cultivate a feeling of respect and esteem such as only exceptional qualities can produce. Day and night his shop was the rendezvous of men aind with whom he established a confidential relationship. For everyone,. especi ally people in difficulties, he had a kindly and sympathetic word and sound advioe. Such a thing as an ungenerous sentiment was never known to escape his lips. A native of Denmark, his slightly Continenttal accent gave quite a piquancy .0 his conversation. A fund of anecdotes and a keen sense of humour made his company ever coveted by staunch and valued friends. He was a leading member of the Foresters' Order. By many others besides his widow and a loving family Hans Petreson will long be greatly misled.