Obituaries Australia

The death took place at a private hospital in Wellington yesterday afternoon of Mr Peter Harris, at the great age of 90 years. Truly one of the "old hands" of the district, the passing of Mr Harris takes from our midst one of the pioneers who blazed the trail in the early days of the west. Born at Montefiores, the deceased spent the whole of his life in this district, growing as it grew and gathering a host of friends along the way. In such a long life, he saw many revolutionary changes and developments. His was a keen intellect, right to the last, although during the last 12 months his health had been failing, until yesterday afternoon at 5 o’clock, his weakened and worn-out body gave-up the struggle, and he passed peacefully away. In a life full of activity, this final sickness was really the only trouble he had known in his life, and he had never previously been in hospital.

In his early years the deceased was a jockey, later taking up mail contracts as the country was opened up and settled. From this position he was able to see the possibilities of this district, and finally he took up land at Arthurville, later on acquiring a splendid farming and grazing property at Suntop.

The deceased was twice married, his first wife being Miss Anne Lynch, a member of another very old Wellington family, who pre-deceased him 23 years ago. In 1922, he married Miss McLean, of Comobella. Of the first marriage, there are still four children surviving, namely Peter (New Zealand), Vincent (Sydney), Mrs Turner (Sydney), and Mrs Spargo (Baker’s Swamp). Another daughter, Mrs Alberta Haycock, died about 24 years ago. There were no children of the second marriage. One brother, Mr Jim Harris, also of Wellington, also survives, he being hale and hearty at 94 years of age. There are also nine great grandchildren.

The funeral took place this afternoon, following a service at St Patrick’s Church. Messrs Murray Bros had charge of the funeral arrangements.