Newspaper Article 1945 – Mr AM Williams

Mr A.M. Williams

The death has occurred of Mr. Allen Marsh Williams, aged 93, of Te Aute Station, Pukehou, a descendant of one of the first pioneer families.  An early settler of Hawke’s Bay, Mr. Williams in his prime of life was renowned in the Dominion and Australia as a judge of stock. Born in the Bay of Islands in 1852, he was a son of the late Edward and Jane Williams, the former being well known as a judge of the Native Land Court. When only 18 years of age, Mr. Allen Williams went to Hawke’s Bay, and for a time managed Kereru Station.  Subsequently he became associated with the late Archdeacon Samuel Williams in the founding and development of Te Aute Station, which at that time comprised some 30,000 acres, including Native and Government leasehold properties. Later he also managed Mangakuri Station on the coast, another extensive holding of about 20,000 acres, till this was taken over by his brother, the late G. C. Williams. Under his management Te Aute Station became recognized as one of the leading holdings in the province. For many years Te Aute Station was a training centre for young farming cadets.

Mr. Williams, who was a born leader of men, was admired and respected by all associated with him. He proved an ideal tutor and was ever ready to give practical aid and advice. The training centre was discontinued at Te Aute Station in 1914, when the holdings were cut up on the expiry of many of the leases.  However, Mr. Williams continued his work with Te Aute and Drumpeel stations till his retirement from active farming in 1920.

Mr. William’s entry into public office was with the Waipawa River and Drainage Board, which was established to further the interests of the district. He was married twice, first to Miss Annabella Milne Buchanan, who died in 1883 [1888], and later to Miss Eliza Amy Gardiner, who died in 1935. His family of five were all of the first marriage, and of them Mr. Gordon Williams, now of Drumpeel Station, and Mrs. Muriel Faulkner, of Te Aute Station, survive him. There are also left two sisters, Miss Emma Williams, Havelock North, and Miss Ada Williams, Roxton Station, Pukehou.