OBITUARY

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20992, 20 December 1939, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR J. R. WEBSTER The death has occurred of Mr Joseph Reyburn Webster, of Hamilton, aged 77 years. The late Mr Webster was born in Lancashire and came to New Zealand in 1901. He was engaged in Sunday School organisation work for the Methodist Church in the backblocks of the Auckland Province for some time, and later farmed a property at Matangi. He was associated with the Methodist Church for the greater part of his life, having been a local preacher in England 45 years ago. When he came to the Waikato he was connected with the St. John’s circuit and later with the St. Paul’s circuit. For about 10 years Mr Webster was connected with the gasworks in Hamilton. Five sons and one daughter survive Mr Webster. They are Messrs Sidney Webster (Otorohanga), A. Webster (Matangi), Harold Webster (Hawera), Jack Webster (New South Wales), Rodney Webster (Auckland) and Miss Alice Webster (Hamilton). There are 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

MR W. J. HARRIS OLD CAMBRIDGE RESIDENT (Special to Times) CAMBRIDGE, Tuesday Another very old resident of the district has passed away in Mr William James Harris, of Browning Street, Leamington, aged 75 years, death occurring yesterday afternoon at his residence. The late Mr Harris was born in Oxfordshire, England, and arrived here with his parents, the late Mr and Mrs William Harris. Mr Harris was a lad of 11 years then, and he could recall the trip up the Waikato River from the Waikato Heads, and how the passengers picked peaches off the banks of the river. The family settled at Cambridge, and but for a few years at Putaruru, deceased had resided here since. He married Miss Harriett Nicholson, of Parnell, at Cambridge in 1896. The late Mr Harris, who had been in failing health since February, was a foundation member of the Cambridge Fire Brigade. He was a member of the old bucket brigade, and joined the existing brigade in 1911. He remained a member for 19 years. In earlier years Mr Harris was a keen follower of Rugby football and athletics. He is survived by his wife and family of four sons and three daughters. They are Messrs A. E. Harris (Rotorua), W. J. Harris (Cambridge), A. G. Harris (Matamata) and J. R. Harris (Cambridge), Mesdames L. C. Davidson (Rotorua), W. L. Thomas (Te Kuiti), L. Kerry (Leamington). There are eight grandchildren. Mr A. E. Harris, of Cambridge, is a brother. and a sister is Mrs J. Nicholson, iof Kerepeehi.