MARTINBOROUGH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 August 1943, Page 4

MARTINBOROUGH

DEATH OF PIONEER MR W. J. MARTIN, 0.8. E. (“Times-Age” Special.) The death occurred at Huangarua, Martinborough, yesterday, of a highly respected pioneer in the person of Mr William James Martin, 0.8. E., at the age of 87 years. Mr Martin's many kindly qualities endeared him to a wide circle of friends. The third son of the late Hon. and Mrs John Martin, Wellington, he was born on May 16, 1856. As a young man he took up a position with the Bank of New Zealand, Wellington, later going into partnership with his brother at Huangarua, the property later being divided, forming the Puruatanga and the Huangarua farms. Mi’ Martin took a keen interest in land improvement problems and the numerous plantations in the district indicate his activity in tree planting. He was industrious in attending to the welfare of his employees and' was a keen and experienced man at gardening and in the raising of poultry. He was an excellent musician and gave pleasure to many with his talents. In 1887 he married Miss Katherine Gray. His wife predeceased him three years ago.

The late Mr Martin was a member of the Masonic Order, was a pioneer member of the Martinborough Bowling Club and was a keen supporter of the Martinborough Tennis Club. He is survived by three sons, Messrs Jack Martin, A. B. Martin and W. G. Martin, and three daughters,' Mesdames Skerman (Te Awamutu), M. S. Tilson and Miss M. C. Martin. The late Mr Martin also leaves two sisters, Mesdames J. G. Tweed (Wellington), and M. B. Cameron (London). The sympathy of a wide circle of friends will be extended to the relatives.

The funeral will'take place from the late residence, Huangarua, tomorrow, following a service at 1.30 p.m. for the new cemetery at Martinborough.