Obituary: Mrs Elizabeth Nicholls
from a newspaper clipping held by her granddaughter, Mrs Lucy Johnstone.
"The death of Mrs Elizabeth Nicholls which occurred at her residence, East Clive, on Thursday, removes one of the oldest and best known residents of the district, and another of the links with the early history of the province.
The deceased lady, who was almost 86 years of age, was born in Truro Cornwall, England [sic - she was actually born in Plymouth], and it was in January 1873 [sic], almost 60 years ago, that the ship Chile brought her to New Zealand and enabled her to take up her residence at East Clive, where she remained right until her death. It can surely be said that the late Mrs Nicholls was the oldest resident of this part of Hawke's Bay, and one of the oldest in the district. Such a long period of years in one place naturally made her well known, and that she was able all through her long life to retain the love and the greatest respect of the whole community is ample testimony of her great worth and fine disposition.
Predeceased by her husband some time ago, the deceased lady leaves a family of seven sons and three daughters to mourn her death, as well as 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, and to them all the deepest sympathy of the whole community will be extended.
The funeral will take place at the Havelock North Cemetery, leaving the residence at East Clive at 1 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday)."