DEATH OF THE HON SHRIMSKI.

Another link with the early history of the southern portion of New Zealand has been severed by the death of the Hon. Samuel Edward Shrimski, M.L.C., who passed away at his residence, Lower Symondsstreet, at six o'clock this morning. The deceased, who has resided in the colony for the past forty, years, was 74 years of age, and is survived by his widow, but leaves no children. He was born inPosen, Prussia, in 1828, and at the age of 19 he went to England, embarking Jn business as a merchant. In 1856 he left for Victoria, and joined in the gold rush in that State, coming to New Zealand six years later, when the rush to the Otago diggings broke out. After the rush was over he settled in Oamaru, going into business as storekeeper and auctioneer, and acting as Government land auctioneer. From the time of his arrival in New Zealand the honourable gentleman took an active part in local and general politics, and was a member and president of the various local bodies connected with Oamaru, and subsequently was the representative •of the district in Parliament. He was Mayor of the town, and also acted as chairman of the Harbour Board and of the Hospital Trustees. The hospital was founded in a large measure as the result of his efforts, and he used his earnest endeavours to secure and re. tain for it the valuable endowments connected with the institution.. Several other local institutions, including the Athenaeum'and theWaitaki High School largely owed their foundation to his efforts. He was elected to t he House of Representatives 27 years ago, and after being re-elected several times without suffering defeat he was called to the Legislative Council, and has held his seat in that body ever since, there being no break in the continuity of his public services. Mr. Shrimski was married in Dunedin to the sister of Mr W. H. Neumegen, of this city, their wedding being the first among the Hebrew community of that city. About two years ago he came to Auckland to reside permanently, his brother-in-law and early acquaintances all living here. When leaving Oamaru he was presented with a highr eulogistic illuminated address, signed by the Mayor, chairman of the Hospital Trustees, High School Board, Harbour Board, Athenaeum Committee, and Racecourse Trustees, expressing their high appreciation of his efforts on behalf of the local institutions, and their thanks for his liberality towards them.

The deceased had been seriously ill for the past five weeks, and the end was not unexpected. All 'that medical skill and careful attention could do was done, but the trdublq was too serious to be cured at his time of life, and he passed peacefully away as above stated. The funeral will take place at Waikumete at 2 p.m. on Friday next.

Mr Shrimski was an earnest and zealous worker in whatever he turned his hand to, and his death \vi il be regretted by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. He held in the highest esteem and respect by all with whom he came in contact.