A very old resident of Queenstown , in the person of Ann Mantle, wife of Mr T. Mantle, died at her residence, Eastern Terrace, in the early hours of Sunday morning. Deceased had been in very indifferent health for some considerable time, suffering from many ills peculiar to her ripe old age of 84. Despite her four score years, however, and the fact that she had been a martyr to rheumatism she was a remarkably industrious woman. All her life, indeed, she was a great worker and a keen gardener, in this latter connection being a strong supporter of the Wakatipu Horticultural Society.
      The late Mrs Mantle was born at Coleshill, Oxfordshire, (Eng.). With her first husband, Mr Richards, and her family she embarked for New Zealand in the sailing ship, Wild Deer, early in 1874, the passage occupying 92 days. They landed at Port Chalmers and came straight to this district, settling in Queenstown. They had five children – three sons and two daughters, these being Mr Fred Richards (Pareora), Mr B.E. Richards (Timaru), the late Mr W. Richards, and Mrs Logan and Mrs Richmond, both deceased. About a year after the arrival of the Richards family in Queenstown Mr Richards died, so his widow set out to establish a boardinghouse on the Eastern Terrace. This was known as "Pleasant View", and under her capable management it became a very well-known and popular place of accommodation, being conducted by her with success until 1904 when she decided to retire. Thirty-four years ago deceased was married to Mr T Mantle.
     The late Mrs Mantle was a type of the true pioneer. She kept her home with scrupulous care, reared her family in honour and was in every sense a godly matron who faced the many hardships and sorrows of a chequered career in a spirit that is seldom met with in the present day and generation. Mrs Mantle was held in high esteem and respect in Queenstown, and her husband and family will have the sympathy of the people of our community in their bereavement. On Sunday morning felling reference was made to her death by the Vicar of Wakatipu in St Peter’s, of which church she was a faithful adherent.
     The funeral takes place this afternoon, when the remains will be interred in the Queenstown cemetery.

     NEWS of a melancholy accident reached us on Saturday last, from Queenstown. Mr Richards, who for some time resided in this town, and was engaged at Gilmour’s Mill, was drowned in the Wakatip Lake, 12 Mile, on Friday morning last. It appears, from what we learn, that he rose from his bed, and on being asked by his son where he was going, said he wouldn’t be long; but he never returned alive, his body was found next morn, lying in about 2 feet of water. We cannot account for the occurrence in any way as he always seemed to be a very steady, sober and industrious man. He leaves a wife and several children to mourn his loss.