Newspaper Article 1929 – Obituary – Mr T W Williams

Obituary.

MR. T. W. WILLIAMS

OLD RESIDENT OF MATAROA PASSES AWAY.

The death occurred in Taihape last evening of Mr. T. W. Williams, of Mataroa.  Mr. Williams was the oldest resident in the district, either Pakeha or Maori, having first come to this district 84 years ago.  His first occupation was that of shepherding at Waihau at the back of Moawhango, but, later on he returned to Puketapu, Hawke’s Bay, and there married his wife, who was the daughter of Mr. John Bicknell, of that district.  Following this change of abode, Mr. Williams conducted a carrying business for a number of years and was actually the first man to drive dray from Napier to Moawhango.  Then the desire to possess land of his own claimed him, and he secured a block inland from Patea, near the Rangitikei River.  Later on, he decided to acquire land in the Mataroa district, and thirty years ago became the owner of “Matukawa,” and had lived in the district ever since, any changes in abode being nearly of a local nature.  Mr. Williams was exceedingly popular with everybody who knew him.  He was a man of sterling character, and was a loyal friend and a cheerful comrade.  Of recent months his health had not been quite up to its normal standard.  For some time he had been aware that an operation would be necessary and to this decree he submitted with brave resignation and fortitude, and last Tuesday the operation was performed.  However, the shock was too great for a man of his advanced age, namely, 77 years, and he passed peacefully away last evening in the presence of his devoted family.  Mr. Williams took a good deal of interest in a quiet way, in local affairs and had been president of the Rangitikei A. and P. Association and a director of the Taihape Dairy Company.

He leaves two daughters and four sons, namely, Mrs. Geo. Dunn, of Taihape, Mrs. C. Bradley, of Wanganui, and Messrs. W. J. Williams, G. Williams, T. A. Williams and L. J. Williams, of Mataroa.  He also leaves a brother, Mr. Arthur Williams, of Taihape.  His wife and one daughter, Miss May Williams, predeceased him.

The funeral will take place at Mataroa to-morrow afternoon, at two o’clock.