OBITUARY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 April 1940, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR THOMAS WYETH. WELL-KNOWN DISTRICT RESIDENT. ■A sterling resident of Masterton and district for the past 60 years or so, Mr Thomas Wyeth passed- away on Saturday at his residence, Lansdowne, at the age of 91 years. The late Mr Wyeth was born in Wellington, the son of Mr and Mrs Robert Wyeth, whose marriage was the third celebrated in Wellington. Mr Thomas Wyeth had enjoyed remarkably good health, and had never suffered a day’s serious illness throughout his life. On Saturday last he had been gardening as usual, and his death occurred peacefully at about 9 o'clock.

His parents were among the first to emigrate to New Zealand, having arrived here in 1840. The late Mr Wyeth had vivid recollections of a disastrous flood which swept down the Hutt Valley in 1858 destroying farms and stock and claiming 13 lives from the little c ommunity established there, where his father had taken up property. The flood waters reached the eaves of the houses, threatening the occupants seeking refuge on the roofs. Still the water rose, until the Wyeths saw one house lifted bodily off its piles and float away, later to be dashed against a rock and overturn, throwing husband, wife and five children into the water. Cfther houses and settlers suffered similarly. The two-storey house of the Wyeth family withstood the onslaught of water, but the family went through a harrowing experience. The Wyeth family removed to Stokes Valley after this flood, and about 65 years ago came to Mastertoil. Mr Thomas Wyeth was associated with the late Mr Alex McLeod in sawmilling operations for many years in the Masterton district, and later took up a section on the foothills of the Tararuas, which he developed as a sheep farm. He retired to live at Lansdowne about 25 years ago. He always took a great interest in the welfare of his fellow residents, especially in the development of healthgiving exercise.

In his younger days, Mr Wyeth was, a fine athlete and held the New Zealand championship over two miles from 1866 to 1871. His athletic career was unfortunately cut short by a bushfelling accident in which one of his legs was broken. He held the Dominion title at the time. Mr Wyeth, however, maintained his interest in athletics throughout his life. He was one the founders and a life-member of the Wairarapa Caledonian Society, in which body he instituted chopping and sawing competitions which proved so popular for many years. He was also a life-member of the Masterton Amateur Athletic Club.

Mr Wyeth-was present at the celebrations in Miisterton held recently to mark the Dominion’s Centennial, and he described the occasion on which he attended the civic dinner and the gathering at Solway Showgrounds as the day of his life. He was particularly proud of his Centennial Ribbon, which, he said, money could not buy. In 1883 he married Miss Margaret McLeod, a daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Angus McLeod, of Mt Bruce, and celebrated his golden wedding in 1933. Besides a widow, he is survived by six sons, Messrs Norman. Thomas, and Charles (all of Mt Bruce), Alexander (Gladstone). Archibald (Westmere), and Sinclair Wyeth (South Island), and by two daughters, Mesdames R. Tankersley (Carterton), and N. Blatchford (Masterton). There are also 20 grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. The sympathy of a wide circle of friends will be extended to the bereaved relatives in thengreat loss. The funeral will take place tomorrow, leaving the late residence, 36 Totara Street, after a service which will be held at 1.45 p.m. for the Masterton Cemetery.

MR SAMUEL GEORGE PIKE. The death occurred yesterday of Mr Samuel George Pike, son of the late Mr and Mrs John Pike, of Te Whiti. The late Mr. Pike, who was 68 years of age was born at Taita and in his younger days was a well-known farmer at Te Whiti. He took a keen interest in sport, especially Rugby, of which he was a player. He is survived by three brothers, Messrs F. J.. Leu and W. A. Pike, all residents of the district, and by two sisters. Mesdames F. E. Rowe (Havelock North) and E. Ward (Masterton). The funeral will take place tomorrow, leaving the Chapel of Hyde's Funeral Service Ltd.. Church Street, after a service which will be held at 3 p.m. lor the Masterton Cemetery.