OBITUARY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 November 1939, Page 6

OBITUARY

MRS W. J. MARTIN. (“Times-Age” Special.) At her residence, Huangarua,, Martinborough, yesterday the death occurred of Mrs Catherine Geddes Sutherland Martin, wife of Mr W. J. Martin, at the age of 82 years. In the death of Mrs Martin, Martinborough suffers the loss of one of its most outstanding personalities. Of a generous and warm-hearted nature she endeared herself to residents of the district by her many acts of kindness, always carried out quietly and dispassionately. A sister to the late Sir Alex Gray, K’.C.. Mrs Martin, in her earlier days, was an accomplished musician and a brilliant scholar. A true pioneer. Mrs Martin was an invaluable worker in connection with the Great Wav in 1914-18. Particularly outstanding was her work for the establishment of the Martinborough Plunket Society. Standing as a monument to her work was the beautiful Plunket Society building in Martinbpi'ough, the grounds on which the building stands being donated by her. As president and patron ever since the establishment of the Society, her efforts had culminated in the erection of the fine buildings. The debt of gratitude owed to her, by the young mothers of today was fully appreciated. It was said of Mrs Martin that success always attended ventures she assisted in. As president and patron of the Martinborough Lawn Tennis Club, Mrs Martin took a keen interest in the welfare of the club and owing to her efforts, the club hold a very good position. Her work in connection with the Red Cross Society was also of a wide scope. Mrs Martin leaves a husband, Mr W. J. Martin, three sons and three daughters. The daughters are Mesdames P. Tilson (Greytown), T. Skerman (Te Awamutu) and Miss K. Martin (Martinborough) and the sons. Messrs Jack Martin, Arthur B. Martin and W. G. Martin. The funeral will leave the residence, Huangarua, at 2 p.m. tomorrow for the new cemetery at Martinborough.