OBITUARY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 July 1940, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR JOHN WILLIAM CARSWELL. The death occurred yesterday of Mr John William Carswell, a well-known and highly respected resident of Bideford, at the age of 81 years. The late Mr Carswell had been in failing health for a number of years. Born at Napier, where his father had the first bakery business established in that town, the late Mr Carswell came to Bideford when he was nine years of age. For many years he was a shepherd on Bowlands Station, which was owned by his uncles, Messrs William and James Miller and Allen Cameron. He later acquired a block of bush land in the Maungarai Valley and by hard work and industry cleared the bush and farmed it successfully for many years. In 1902 he bought the farm known as Bridge Creek and had lived there until his death. Mr Carswell was much respected as a farmer and a friend of those in need. He possessed the real spirit of the pioneer settler and was always willing to assist any project for the good of the district. In the earlier days of the district’s development he was a member of the Bideford Road Board. For a period Mr Carswell was also associated with various Bideford activities, having been chairman of the School Committee, chairman of the Bideford Hall Trustees, president of the Sports Club and a member of the Rifle Club. Mr Carswell's first wife, a daughter of the late Mr and Mrs James Flaws, early settlers of Wellington, predeceased him 24 years ago. He again married in 1928, and is survived by his second wife and a family, by his first marriage, of five sons. Messrs Jack (Matahiwi), Arthur (Tauranga), James (Wairoa). Archie (at present in Trentham Camp), and Donald Carswell (Bideford) and one daughter, Mrs R. B. Madden (Carrington). Three sons lost their lives in the last war. There are 15 grandchildren and seven great-grand-children. The sympathy of a wide circle of friends will be extended to th? bereaved relatives in their loss. The funeral will take place tomorrow, leaving the residence of Mr R. H. Maxwell. 31 College Street, following a service which will be held at 2 p.m. for the Masterton Cemetery.