OBITUARY.

MR JOHN FULTON. The people of Rangiora were much shocked yesterday morning to hear that Mr John Fulton, the popular manager of the Colonial Bank of New Zealand there, had had an attack of apoplexy which was almost certain to terminate fatally, and a few hours afterwards the feeling was intensified when it became known that he was dead. The deceased gentleman appeared to be in his usual Btate of health on Tuesday, and attended to his official duties during the day, spending the evening with his wife at a friend's house. He goo up shortly after six o'clock next morniug, and after calliug the servants went upstairs to dress, when he complained of a pain in his head, and feeling a dizziness come over him lay down on the bed. Soon after seven o'clock he had a most severe attack, which was pronounced by Drs. Volckman and Clayton, who were haatily summoned, to be apoplexy, and which must terminate fatally. Everything possible was done, but he quietly paesed away at half-past ten o'clock. The deceased was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in the year 1850, and was consequently forty-three years of age, and was educated •at the Ayr Academy. He came to the colony quite a young man, and lived for some time in Invercargill. After a visit Home he came out to Dunedin, and was in the employment of the Bank of Otago and afterwards the National Bank, but on the establishment of the Colonial joined the staff of that institution. He was appointed manager of the agency at Rangiora about sixteen years ago, and has occupied that position ever since. He took considerable interest in the affairs of the town, having been for some time a member of the Borough Council, a member of Ashley Masonio Lodge, Treasurer of the Literary Institute, and a prominent member of the North Canterbury Jockey Club. He was for some time Lieutenant and afterwards Captain of the Rangiora Rifles, and did a great deal towards procuring them a suitable drill hall. He took most interest, however, in the affair* of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and for a good many years was Treasurer of that Society, a poet he held till his death. He was a supporter of all the athletic Clubs in the town, and was frequently a judge at the local sports. Mr Fulton will be greatly missed by the people of the district on account of his never-failing kindness and good humour. He was ever ready to help those in trouble and distress, and many pprsons have had to thank him tor services rendered in time of bereavement. Quito a gloom was cast over the town when it became known that he had succumbed to the attack, and most of the business people put up their shutters, while flags were hung half-mast ou all the principal buildings. He married a daughter of the late Mr John Macfarlane, of Coidatream, and leaves a family of five children—two sona and three daughters. The funeral has been arranged to take place at 3 p.m. on Friday.