RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 2842, 30 September 1890, Page 3

RAGLAN.

Death ok an Old Sktti.ku — Knrly on Monday morning, Septnmhov 22nd, Mrs Kescel, wifo of Mr Kescel, a very old colonist, passed away at the ripe old age of 81 years. During the last twelve years she iind been bed-iidrlen and tor the last two months of her life .1 tfreat surferer. Mrs Kescel with her husband anil family came from Cornwall in the ship K<sox, the hist of the New Zealand Company's ships, and urived in Ta'ranaki in the year 1842, and whilst iii that province experienced some of. the hardships and vicissitudes which the early settlers ha' l to undercro. And after residing several years in different parts of < that province they left with their family and seltleil in the Raglan district, Mr Kescel being one of the first to buy land after tho (iovernment acquired the Whninffiiroa block nearly forty years ago. On Tuesday afternoon the remains of the deceased were interred at the Okete cemetery. Mr Kescel, who has reached tho extreme old age of 81, having unfortunately been thrown from his horse, was thus prevented from being present. Besides the family, a number of settlers from various parts uf the district were present to pay a last mark of respect. In the absence of a minister Mr W. H. Wallis read in an impressive manner the burial service. Stuikks. —Fortunately the present labour troubles have not been of any detriment to this district. Though for a short time it was thought that if the vessel did not arrive some articles would be running short, luckily the storekeepers were well supplied, and although flour advaticed to £18 per ton and potatoes and other produce were selling at an advance, prices have now receded to their former levels. At present in this district we have no unemployed, what with bush-falling, flux-milling, and farming operations all are as busy as bees, and peace and plenty are in the land. Minister.—For some months past wo have had no resident minister in this place, and though efforts have been made to induco the Woslcyan body to send one as yet they have not complied, and it seems that there is no probability of their doing so. This is much to be regretted, but it should not in any way prevent any other section of the Christian Church taking up the work here, as it is certainly a great drawback to (hrj district being without the services of some earnest minister, it matters not of what denomination he may be. Efforts are being made m this direction by the residents here.