OBITUARY.

MR SEARBY BUXTON

The death yesterday of Mr. Searby Buxtou, at his private residence, 12 Cavendish Street, Allen ton, removes'* another of Canterbury's fast diminish-^ ing-band of early settlers. The late J|f Buxton was born"'"in Lincolnshire on February 20, .1.832, ' -and was consequently within a "few days of reaching His eighty-seventh birthday at the time of hiiTtleafti. He'was brought up to agricultural pursuits, and in the early 'sixties decided to seek his fortune in New Zealand, tlien to a very large extent an \inknowii .country. Me arrived in New Zealand in I860;' and at ' first settled at Springstoiu Later he removed to AVest™Stelton, where ho remained for several years, and "BimWs Corner" still marks the spot where his house stood. . Forty-four years ago he left West Melton and- oame south, settling on the 7?.nrigitata_lsland. Burin Si his residence at Rahgitata he took little part in local politics, confining his activities largely to his farm and .the. church with which he was closely associated, and for many years was among, the leading__local _.jDreachm*s 01. that body. For "a Efne, however, he heJda seat on the Rangitata. Island School Committee, and for a term was chairman. Thirty-one years ago Mr Buxton after a residence -at Rangitata Island of 1.1 vonrs. 'took up his residence at Tota-ra Valley, where he :u:<|tiire<] the Clil'ton sheep si a!', ion. There he remained for about 12 years, when he retired, and came to reside in Ash bur- ; ton. where he." remained till the time, of his death.

The. deceased came into prominence in 1887. when ho contested fcjie Kfyiffl-' tata seat as a'supporter of the StoutVo<*el Government. ■'and, defeated the TTon William Rolleston. At the close of the 1887-90 Parliament. Mr Bnxton intimated his desire, to retire, hut was persuaded by. His-.supporters to stand; for the new Geraidine seat. He was. however, unsuccessful, heinsi defeated hv Mr A. "R. 0. Rhodes'by 323 votes., ami'from this time onward did not take, any .-further part in public affairs. Tm wife nrede.ce.ased him about four and a-hnlf. years aao. He had. a, Family of four sons and three daughters, all of whom survive, namely, Mr J. Buxton,. Muline. Western Australia; Mr Tlioma.s Buxton.Timaru Cforrnerly member for Ternuka): Mr F. Bnxton, produce, mercliant. Asbbui-ton: Mr R. Buxton. /'Timaru; Mrs .T. Smitli, Auckland; Mrs. TC. TTndrilK Geraldine; and' Miss Mary Buxton, Ashbnrton.. :',

The funeral took place at the Ashburton Cemetery to-day. .' ,