DEATH OF MR THOMAS WILSON, OF OKETE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2213, 14 September 1886, Page 2

DEATH OF MR THOMAS WILSON, OF OKETE.

Anothkh old and much respected settler passed away from our midst last week, in tho poison of Mr Thomas Wilson, of Okete. The deceased gentleman was a native of Burton-on-Trent, England, and ai rived at. Now Plymouth in the ship Berk-hiro during the year I^4fl. After n sojourn with his family in Turaruki for some years, during which tune he was actnely engaged in business, and successfully earned on a large farm, he took up hi< residence in the Raglan District in the year IS.V>, arming in the Zillah. During the year- th.it h.i\e pissed nince that date he was acti\ el v engaged in public as well as private life, he held the position of member for R.igl'in in the Provincial Council, and was earnestly interested on behalf of the district ho represented. During the more than trying time of the war, whilst others settlers took refuge in Auckland, he courageously continued to occupy his farm. The danger of so doing was very great, and he ran many risks. At a later date he was appointed councillor for the Karioi riding in this county ; also for many years he held office as chairman of the VVhaingaroa Road Board, and was a useful man in all public matters of interest, to the district. For many years past he suffered from rheumatism, and had at times received great benefit from a sojourn at the Whaingatoa Hot Springs, but being of a good old age he parsed away from amongst us, anotner of those old pioneers whose place will be hard to fill. The funeral left the residence of the deceased at one o'clock on Saturday afternoon last. A large number of friends from all parts of the district had assembled, and followed the remains to the place of interment, Okete Wesleyan Church ground. On arriving at the church, as large a number met us, and after the remains of our deceased and respected friend wore conveyed into the church, every seat was occupied. The service was read in an impressive manner by the Rev. Mr Stephenson, and the largest number of settlers that I have yet seen at a funeral were gathered around the last resting-place of their late fellow settler. Very great sympathy was felt and expressed for the family in their bereavement. The day was very squally, but during the interment continued tine. — (Own Correspondent, Raglan, September 13th.)

Mr G. Way, Tamahere, invites tenders for ploughing. Mr 1. Bates' assistant ia at present at Smith's hotel, Morrinsville, and will execute repairs to saddlery, &c. The Alexandra Town District Board give notice of their intention to make a rate of hd in the £. Mr John Kiiok will sell al the Hamilton Auction Mait on Satmday, drapery (paiticulai'H next issue), fancy goods, produce, potatoes, poultry, <feo. Attention in directed to several important additions in the lists of stock, ite., in Messrs A. Auckland and Co.'s advertisemtMuX Messrs Kempt and Windsor, surgeon dentists, will bo at Hamilton on "Wednesday, the 13th October, and following mk day^.