OBITUARY

New Zealand Tablet, 13 May 1915, Page 29

OBITUARY

MR. THOMAS SIIORTALL, COLYTON. The parish of Feilding and the district of Colyton mourn the loss of one of the oldest identities in the person of Mr. Thomas Shortall," whom death released on May 3 from a long and painful illness. He was a native' of Kilkenny, but left his home at the early age of 16 years to try his fortune first in Australia and later in New Zealand. The vicissitudes of a long life of over 73 years were more varied and thrilling than fall to the lot of most pioneers. His tales were of gold-digging in the Dunstan, of engagements in the Maori war, of bush-felling in the Turakina and Colyton districts, and of bridge-building and road constructing in the same localities. lie made his home on his farm, ' WestEnd,' Colyton, an eloquent monument to the pastoral abilities and love of heme in the .deceased. He is mourned by all sections of the community, but perhaps the highest testimony comes from the little children who nocked round him always, sure of sympathy and enter-* tainment. , Elder folk will miss his witty and engrossing conversation, and the generous advice always forthcoming at either 'public or private demand. His character was almost paradoxical in his keen love of a business deal, and in the utter absence of self-seeking when he could benefit either his district or lend a helping hand to striving youth. A touching - tribute to Mr. Shortall's memory was the large funeral cortege — friends coming from far and near to take a last farewell. Mrs. Shortall predeceased her husband by seven years, and of his children there remain—Mr. James Shortall, 'West End,' Colyton; Mr. Robert Shortall, ofJArdath,' Colyton; Mrs. C. Milieu, of ' Glenburne,' Colyton; Miss Mary Shortall, headmistress of the Colytoii School : Miss Elizabeth Shortall, at home, and Miss Margaret Shortall, better known as Sister Isidore, of the Home of Compassion. Mr. Shortall had the happiness to receive the last rites of the Church in his dying moments from Rev. Father Cashman. —R.I.P.