Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 - 1953)(about) |
Previous issue
Monday 8 October 1928
Next issue
Send to:
|
2 corrections, most recently by mezrid - Show corrections
Obituiary.:~~ .----x-- MRS. D. A. CAMERON. One of the few remaining links with the pioneering days in Australia and New Zealand was severed re- cently by the death of Mrs. Margaret Emily Cameron, relict of the late Mr. Donald Angus Cameron, of Glenfalloch Station, Nokomai, New Zealand, who passed away at her re- sidence on the 5th September, in her 85th year. She was the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Archibald McDonald, who were among the earliest settlers in the Port Philip district, and who had driven their flocks from New England on the Sydney side, taking about two years on the journey. Mrs. Cameron's father was accidentally killed, and later her mother married Mr. Donald Cameron, of Morgiana (familiarly known as "Morgie") who owned a considerable amount of property in the Hamilton district. Her girl- hood days were spent in the Hamil- ton and Portland districts, and am- ong her many recollections was that of seeing Adam Lindsay Gordon rid- ing at the Hamilton races on several occasions. She was married in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne, to- wards the end of 1803, and went to New Zealand as abride in her teens, arriving at Port Chalmers on New Year's Day, 1864. The vessel (the Souches) afterwards proceeded to the Bluff, and from there Mrs. Cam- eron journeyed to her new home in the back-blocks, where her husband had taken up land some years pre- viously. These were the days of hardship and privations, no roads or bridges, and the most primitive ac- commodation, but the pioneers had grit and determination, and won through in spite of so many disad vantages. Provisions were taken from Riverton by bullock waggon, the journey occupying several weeks. Mrs. Cameron spent all her married life in her home amongst the mount- tains, except for one visit to her na- tive land for health reasons. She had a family of twelve sons and daughters, five of whom survive to mourn the loss of a devoted mother. As the funeral cortege left the house. a piper played a lament, and also at the graveside. Her son, Alexan- der, and five grandsons acted as pall-. bearers, and after the casket was lowered sprigs of heather were dropped on it by the mourners.