OBITUARY.

MR J. G. RUDDENKLAU. The many friends of Mr J. G. Rudde* klau will learn with regret his decease, which took place last night at his residence, 'Addington, after a short illness. Mr Ruddenkltui was a native of Hesso Cassel, near Wilhelnishohe, Germany, where stands that beautiful palace where the late Emperor Napoleon was confined as a prisoner of war. Mr Ruddonklau left Germany in 1850 for London, and left London in 1857 for New Zealand. After twelve months hard colonial life he settled down to business in the Triangle, Christchurch, aa a baker and confectioner. Later on ho obtained a license and built the City Hotel, which he conducted till 1869, when he retired to Addington, hia late residence. lieing used to an active life, his retirement became irkßome, and he entered into bunness as a miller and corn merchant. Ho built the first grain stores at Addington, for which ho obtained a aiding from the Government, which has led to nearly all the leading merchants obtaining sites and build* ing stores there. Mr Ruddenklau was first elected a member of the City Council in 1866, and ro-elected in 1873 and 1877. After a sharp contest ho was elected Mayor in 1881, and by judicious management of tße Corporation affairs and his extreme hospitality, won for himself the unanimous con* fidence of the citizene and the esteem of all visitors. He was Mayor of the city during the Exhibition* of Messrs Joubert and Twopeny, and displayed the most unostentatious and at the same time liberal hospitality to the many strangers from all parts of the world who congregated in the city on the occasion of the Exhibition. Few who participated in the many gatherings held, during the Exhibition period will forget the kindliness of himself and Mra Ruddenklau to all with whom they came in contact. Hβ has visited England twice. On the first occasion he obtained from the German Emperor the gift of a peal of bells for the German churoh here, in which he took a very warm and lively interest, being the meana of inducing the first German minister to settle amongat us. His second visit to England was made .quite recently, when he went home to go through a course of treatment at the German --bathe. He returned to the colony a few months back seemingly quite restored to health, and his friends were in hope* "that hia constitution had quite recovered it* • usual tone, he having apparently.ep much, benefited by the trip. However it was not %o corded above. Few men in Qttietohurqh have .done good in each an unobtrusive and quiet way as the late Mr Ruddenklau, and he will be greatly miaaed, from our midst. He did not take any prominent part f» public life, except in municipal matters,.and since bis return from England ha* lived,a quiet and retired life. The deepest sympathy will, we are sure, be felt,with Mrs Ruddenklau in the severe bere&vemeß* which has befallen her.