Death of Mr T.W. Parker.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 7370, 18 November 1898, Page 2

Death of Mr T.W. Parker.

Mr Thomas Windle Parker, who died early this morning, was born in 1812, near London. He arrived in Tasmania when a young man, and took up a station there. Shortly afterwards he went to Victoria, where he also embarked in pastoral pursuits. Having come to this colony on the opening of the goldfields in Otago, and having been Warden and receiver of gold at Tuapeka, he arrived in this district in 1861 and became manager for Messrs Borton and McMaster. In the same year he was installed as Resdent Magistrate of this district, which position he held from 1861 to 1881 with marked success and to the satisfaction of the community, notwithstanding the difficulties which appertain to the fulfilment of the duties of such a position, even under the most favorable circumstances. But failing health compelled his retirement into a life of absolute quietude, and from the day he left the Bench till he died this morning Mr Parker was unable to devote his mind to any public matters. In his day, however, he had lived a useful and active life. When this settlement was in its infancy he was, amongst other things, a lay preacher, a member of the Committee of the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association when it was first established, Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, and subCollector of Customs and licensing officer under the Arms Act. Mr Parker was universally liked and deeply respected. He was noted fur his straighforwardneas, his liberal and just ideas, the reliability of his word, and his true gentility. His life was, indeed, fall of useful lessons to those whom he has left behind.