THE LATE MR ANDREW DUNCAN.

It is with feelings of deep regret that we have to announce the death of one of our best known and most respected citizens, Mr Andrew Duncan, who expired at hia residence on the Ferry road at about two o'clock this morning. The following particulars of (lie deceased gentleman's career will no doubt be read with interest : — Mr Andrew Duncan wa* a native of the West of Scotland, and came to Canterbury with his parents about 22 years ago. He worked for some time at Mb occupation of gardener, and afterwards established his nursery gardens down the Ferry road. He also started business as a seedsman, his first shop being situated in Gloucester street, on the site of the premises recently vacated by the Gas Company. By strict attention to his affairs, combined with considerable business aptitude, he was enabled to extend the operations of hie business in various directions, and several years ago he removed to the shop in Cashel street, which he possessed at the time of his death. Mr Duncan married after he had been in Canterbury a few years, and for hia conduct in all the relations of private life was highly respected and esteemed. The deceased gentleman' took a prominent part in public affairs for several years past. Ho was a member of the City Council for some years, and at one time ocoupied the position of Mayor of Christchurch. He was also member for Heathcote in the Provincial . Council for a considerable period, and was on one occasion conneoted with the Provincial Executive. About nine years ago he contested one of the seats for Christchurch in the General Assembly against the late Mr E. J. Wakefield, but through over-confidence on the part of his supporters, he was defeated. It may be mentioned here that Mr Duncan was strongly urged to come forward as one of the candidates for the city as the last general election, but could not be prevailed upon to do so. About six years ago he went to the Old Country as an Emigration Agent for the Government, and acted in that capacity for about a year, at the end of which time he returned to the Colony. After his return he was appointed a member of the Board of Education, and was by that body' made Commissioner of School Eeserves. He was also an active member of the Drainage Board from its formation, and belonged to the Waste Lands Board and the South Waimakariri Board of Conservators. He always took a keen interest in matters affecting the agricultural interests of the Colony, and was for a long period a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which he was President at the time of his death, having been elected to that position at the last annual meeting. He was for many years an aotive member of the Christchurch Horticultural Society, in whose affairs he always took great interest. Mr Duncan was a member of St Paul's Presbyterian Church, and took a prominent part in Church matters. He was an office-bearer of St Paul's Church on several occasions, and at the time of his death was a member of the Financial Committee of the congregation. Until a few months ago Mr Duncan seemed possessed of vigorous health, and was supposed by his friends to be likely to reach a good old age. About rive months ago, howover, he was taken ill with what was at first supposed to be bronchitis, consequent upon a severe cold. A few weeks later he was obliged to take to his bed, and being thoroughly examined by his medical attendant, it was discovered that he was Buffering from disease of the heart, and he was advised to try the effects of a voyage to Australia. Accordingly, about two months ago he proceeded on a trip to Sydney and Melbourne. At the former place he seemed to improve considerably, but at Melbourne he suffered a relapse, and he returned to New Zealand in worse health than when he had quitted it two months before. He reached his home three weeks ago, on Thursday, Nov. 18, and took to his bed, from which he never rose, dying, as has already stated, at about 2 o'clock this morning. The announcement of his death created a feeling of profound regret in town, and flags were hoisted half-mast high at several places of business as a token of respect to his memory. We learn that next Sunday morning a funeral sermon will be preached by the Key J. Elmslie at St Paul's Church.