OBITUARY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 February 1943, Page 2

OBITUARY

MR JOHN FREDERICK WARD. The death occurred in Greytown yesterday of one of the few remaining early settlers of the district in Mi’ John Frederick Ward, at the age of 92 years. Mr Ward came out to New Zealand in the “Euterpe” in 1874 and took up his residence in Masterton shortly after his arrival in the Dominion. Mr Ward was married at Opaki, at Mr J. Harding’s -house, in 1877. He had a vivid recollection of the incidents that occurred during the period of early settlement of the district and had many interesting stories to relate. He clearly' remembered the flood in the early ’eighties f when the Waipoua River burst its banks and poured through the town. Mr Ward’s twin brother will be remembered as “Windsor Clockie.” Mr Ward, who- was in the employ of Messrs C. E. Daniell Ltd., as a painter, for about 40 years, was the second painter to arrive in Masterton. When he arrived here there were no doctors or chemists. The late Mr Ward was one of the oldest members of the Masonic Order in New Zealand. He joined the craft in Masterton 65 years ago. Mr Ward who was predeceased by his wife two years ago is survived by a son, Mr R. Ward, and a daughter, Mrs E. Ryan, both of Mastertoq. The sympathy of a wide circle of friends will be extended to the family in their bereavement. Mr Ward’s kindly disposition and readiness to help anyone in time of need won for him a wide circle of friends throughout the Wairarapa. He did not take part in public life on account of his retiring position, but he was always ready to assist in any activity which was for the benefit of the town. The funeral will take place in Masterton tomorrow morning, leaving the Chapel of Hyde’s Funeral. Service, following a service at 11 o’clock for the Masterton Cemetery.