OBITUARY

New Zealand Tablet, 25 August 1921, Page 11

OBITUARY

MR. WILLIAM EARL, TIMARU. There passed away recently at his residence, Timaru, another of the fast diminishing band of pioneers of Canterbury in the person of Mr. William Earl. The deceased, who had reached the ripe age of 84 years, was born in Co. Wexford, Ireland, and left there for Australia in 1863, landing at Melbourne, and finding his way to the goldfields. He was shortly afterwards attracted to the goldfields in Otago and the West Coast of New Zealand.. Tiring of mining life, he, with his brother, the late Mr. J. Earl, took up land at Kakahu, and afterwards took up a farm on his own account in the same district. About 17 years ago he sold out and bought another property , at Otaio, which he successfully farmed until about six years ago, when he retired, and has since resided in Timaru. He leaves a grown-up family of six daughters and three sons. The late Mr. Earl took no prominent part in public life, but was ever ready to assist the poor and those in need. He was greatly interested in the breeding of Clydesdale horses, being at one time a successful exhibiter in the show ring. At the time of his death he was a member of the.Timaru A. and P. Association and of the South Canterbury Jockey Club. The interment took place in the Geraldine Cemetery, the funeral being very largely attended. Rev. Father Hurley (Timaru) attended the deceased during his last illness, and, with Rev. Father O’Connor (Geraldine), officiated at the graveside.R.l.P,

MRS. M. J. BROOKES, WELLINGTON. The many triends of Mr. M. J. Brookes, general manager of the Bristol Company’s interests in the North Island, will regret to learn of the death of his much-respected wife, which took place at her residence, Wellington, on Sunday, the 7th inst. The deceased (writes a correspondent) was well known to a very large circle of friends in Wellington, and during her life time she had endeared herself to all who came in contact with her. By her kindly disposition, her happy nature, and, and above all her true Christian charity, she was loved and respected by all sections of people in this community. During her last illness she was attended .by the devoted priests and Sisters of the

v . Basilica parish, and received the full consolations of our Holy Church, the Sacraments for the dying being administered by Father Smyth, S.M. The funeral, although of a private nature, was most impressive. While a Requiem .. Mass was being offered for the repose of the soul of deceased, the children of the Convent and Marist Brothers' . Schools assembled in the Basilica, and music of an appropriate nature was rendered by their respective choirs. At the conclusion of 'the Mass the last blessing was given, and the impressive "Dead March" from "Saul" was played /by Father Schaeffer. Father Smyth, assisted by Father Moloney (an old Dnnedin Friend of the family), officiated

at the interment. The late Mrs. Brookes is survived by her husband and one son, to whom the sincere sympathy of many people in the Dominion is extended.P.