The Late T. P. Russell

Waipukurau Press, Issue 14, 9 February 1906, Page 3

The Late T. P. Russell

o Mr Thomas Purvis Russel, a very old colonist, has just died at Bath, England. In the very early days he settled in the Wairarapa, thence taking up land in Hawke’s Bay, where he acquired a large block of country known as the Hatuma estate, near Waipukurau. Leaving New Zealand many years ago he made his home in Kinross-shire, Scotland, though still working his property in this colony. “Hatuma” came into prominence by reason of the fact that it was the first large sheep run seized by the Government under the compulsory clauses of the Land for Settlements Act, and it necessitated very lengthy litigation, requiring the sitting of three seperate Compensation Courts, before a settlement was arrived at. “ Hatuma ” was preferred by the Government more than other estates because it belonged to an absentee landlord. An able advocacy for Mr Russell was made by Mr G. E. Sainsbury, whose tragic end by being lost overboard on his return to New Zealand from England will be well recollected. Mr Russell’s widow is a sister of the late Mr Sainsbury. A daughter of the late Mr Russell is Mrs H. J. Montgomery, of Hattonburn, Scotland, who formerly resided at Waipukurau. The only surviving brother of deceared, who was in his eighty-seventh year, is Mr John P. Russell, of Wellington. The late Mr T. P. Russell was the father of Waipukurau, and in the old days was a prominent figure in this neighborhood.