Francis Garmonsway

        The death occurred in Taihape early yesterday morning of Mr Francis Garmonsway, a well respected pioneer who had farmed a property at Rangiwaea for a great many years until advancing age and ill health caused him to retire and live in town. Mr Garmonsway was one of the earliest settlers in the Rangiwaea district and was a South African War Veteran and past president of the Rangitikei A & P Association. He was in his 83rd year. He is survived by his wife two sons and one daughter. The funeral will take place at Taihape this morning. Wanganhi Cronicle - 15 December 1958

OBITUARY

COLORFUL CAREER OF THE LATE MR F GARMONSWAY

        The late Mr Frank Garmonsway who died at Taihape recently, was born at Alexandra (now Pirongia) on July 28 1876, and started work at the age of 12 years at the Taupiri flax mills. From there he went as a teamster to Woodlands station and later accepted a job as a shepherd. He worked at Waihi during the first ecomonic slump, splitting wood for the battery that was used for gold mining. December 1895 saw him riding from Waihi to Nuanui-Taihape- a journey of three days during which he saw only roadsmen. He arrived at Ruanui with a horse saddle, bridle and a few personal possessions in a sugar bag, and as he so often said,‘without a care in the world’. He had practically no money at that time. Ruanui Station was then owned by Mr J F Studholme, with Mr Ledward as manager. Mr Garmonsway shephered at Ruanui for several years, and amongst his associates were Messrs Gowdy, Gresson, J.McMahon, Canterbury Brown and Geordie Brown.
        In 1898 Mr Garmonsway drew a section in the Rangiwaea block and the following winter cut a track a mile long through the bush and spent the winter months alone cutting bush. His nearest neighbour was eight miles away. Mr Garmonsway served with the Third Contingent, Rough Riders in the South African War, and was a distant relation of General Gordon. His grandfather was a Sergeant-Major in the famous 68th Regiment which came to New Zealand in 1851. An Uncle served all through the Waikato Wars. Mr Garmonsway was always interested in news concerning South African war veterans and deeply regretted that of late years he was unable to attend meetings. He read with great interest tales concerning the adventures of the Third Contingent in South Africa and experienced sadness at the passing of his old comrades. Mr Garmonsway retired from active farming in 1955 and came to Taihape to live.

Transcripts provided courtesy Jill Van der Reyden of New Zealand