OBITUARY
CATHERINE PEARCE
The death occurred recently at the residence of her daughter, Mrs J. Stewart, Matai, near Centre Bush, of Mrs Catherine Pearce, in her 100th year. She was born near Kirremuir, Forfarshire, Scotland, on the 24th of May, 1843, being the youngest daughter of Williami and Elizabeth Grant, and she arrived in New Zealand on the ship Bouverie on the 10th March, 1867. Two years later she married Thomas George Pearce, subsequently living in Dunedin, Sawyers Bay, Christchurch, Tuapeka Mouth, Oraki and Wakapatu. During her residence in Otago she shared the privations of the early settlers and came in contact with many notable characters. Of particular interest to residents in this district is the fact that the late Mrs Pearce was well acquainted with the notorious Rennie and McLennan who later robbed the gold escort at Dunstan. She was also a sufferer by the 1878 flood, having 9 feet of water in the house in which she was living at Tuapeka. Deceased was of a quiet, retiring disposition, beloved of all who knew her. For 50 years she lived near two Maori pahs, Colac Bay and Wakapatu, and had many friends among the Maori race. This was demonstrated at her funeral when one of her Maori friends gave the traditional Maori “haeri ra", an impressive and moving farewell. She was predeceased by her husband 32 years ago, and also by one son and one daughter. The surviving members of the family are Mrs J. Stewart, Matai; Mrs W. J. Scott, Otahu Flat; Mrs J. Dennis, Christchurch; Mr R. T. Pearce, Otahu Flat; Mr G. G. Pearce, Wakapatu; Mr A. D. P. Pearce, Arrowtown. There are also 29 grand children and 24 great-grand children. Her remains were laid to rest in the Riverton cemetery. -Lake Wakatip Mail, 8/10/1942.
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