The Late Captain Hankinson, R.N.

Quite a gloom (6ays th« Western Star) was cast over the community on Saturday morning on its becoming known that Captain Hankinson had expired at his residence, Waldeck, South Riverton, the previous evenine. For some considerable time past the deceased gentleman had enjoyed but indifferent health. About two years ago be paid a visit to the Old Country. On his return, after an absence of aome nine months, a marked improvement in his appearance was noticeable, but he shortly afterwards began to gradually fail, and although there was no immediate cause for alarm the state of his health gave hisfriends uneasiness. About the beginning of last week, however, he was attacked with dysentery, of a type so virulent as to defy all efforts to arrest it, and he succumbed to that disease after four days'illness, at the comparatively early age of 51 year*. Probably few people enjoyed the respect and esteem of the community so fully as Captain Hankinson, and in their bereavment great sympathy is felt for those near and dear to him whom he leaves behind. His connection with the district dates from 1861, shortly after which year he-and his brothers took up the Lynwood run at Te Anau, which they held until the expiration of the lease, 18 months ago. During bis residence in the district he held different public offices, the duties - of which he discharged faithfully. He was a member of the County Council for some yearß, held the commission of the peace, was a member of the licensing commission under the old Act, and at one time was chairman of the Riverton Harbor JJowd. Latterly, however, the state q£ hja jwjtbi which W> \tni wMwmia^ by fte

hardships of his early life in the naval service, prevented him from taking that prominent position in public matters that his inclination would have led him to have done. Captain Hnnkinson was borne at Lyme Regis, Dorsetshire, August 25th, 1833, so that on th.* day of his burial he-, was exactly 51 yews of age. He was educated at Bugby, and entered the Royal Navy at the age of 14, on board H.M.S. Arab, China station. He served in the Pleiades frigate, flying squadron, during the Crimean war, also in the Royal George line-of- battle ship. On the West Coast of Africa he was engaged in the repression of the slave trade from 1856 to 1859 on board the corvette Medusa, and he commanded a gunboat at Lagos. He escorted the Franklin search expeditionon board the Desperate into the ice off the coast of Greenland.. He was invalided in 1861, and yvas appointed comnaander on the retired list in 1866. He was decorated with two medals for his services during the Crimean war. The most complimentary remark that can be applied to Captain Hankinson id to say that he was the beau ideal of a genuine British naval officer. Frank, courteous and honorable to a degree, and imbued with a feeling of intense loyalty to hia Queen and country. His cheerful, gentlemanly manner endeared him to all who came into contact with him, and it may safely be asserted that he leaves not a single enemy behind him. The funeral took place on Monday, and although but little notice was given, there was a very large attendance of genuine mourners. All the. business places in town were closed during the funeral procession. The body was conveyed from Waldeck to St. Mary's Church, where the services usual upon such occasions were conducted by the Rev. H. Stocker, of St. John's, Invercargill. At- phort notice Captain Acheson, of the Rifles, called out the company, who mustered in creditable force. The officers of the corps, with Capt. Tall, harbormaster, acted ad pall - bearers. Arrived at the grave, the burial service was read by the Rev, Mr Stocker. On the coffin were the deceased gentleman's naval sword and cap, which were removed before the body was lowered into the grave. A firing party of the Rifles gave the customary parting salute, which brought the obsequies to a close.