William Dodds, (1852-25/9/1887). "the battle day is past"

 

Death, — The number of our settlers has been reduced by two. The familiar forms of John Birrel and Willie Dodds have been removed from our midst. The finger of God touched them, and they are gone. Mr John Birrel, one of the oldest settlers in Wairio, was a Lanarkshire man, and a Native of old Monkland. He came to New Zealand in '62, and after experiencing many tips and downs incident to Colonial life, at one time tilling the soil, at another mining beneath it, he took up a section and settled in Wairio. He died of heart disease. He leaves a widow but no family. He was greatly respected by all who knew him. Mr William Dodds was a native of Ayrshire, born somewhere near the place that, as Burns tell us, was famed for honest men. To this class Mr Dodds belonged. He bade adieu to Caledonia 24 years ago. After being some years in the employment of the firm of Cochrane and Blackwood, Invercargill, well known to old identities; he started storekeeping on his own account in Otautau. Having taken up a section in this district, he married and settled here six years ago. The cause of death was inflammation in the lungs. It seems he caught a severe cold, and, not suspecting anything serious, allowed it to take such a hold on his lungs that by the time he reached Riverton to get medical aid, there was scarcely any hope for him. He leaves a widow and a young family to mourn his loss. He was a man who was most highly esteemed by all his neighbors, and the news of his sudden death shed quite a gloom over our whole community. As a mark of respect the School committee decided to postpone their concert which was to come off on the Friday following. He was busy- sowing and harrowing just a few days before his death. But, 

Now the labourer's task is o'er; 

Now the battle day is past.  -Western Star, 8/10/1887.

Otautau Old Cemetery.