DEATH OF THE EARL OF SEAFIELD,

(Fbom Oub Own Oobbespondent.) Oamabu, December 3.

The Earl of Seafield died at noon to-day, aged 41. Francis William Ogilvy Grant, tenth Earl of Seafield, was born in Ireland in 1847. After completing his education ho served as midshipman in the Royal Navy, and afterwards joined the merchant service. About 1870 he arrived in Oamaru and purchased a farm in the Waiareka Valley, and two years afterwards married Miss Aon Trevor Corry, only daughter of Major Evans, by whom he has seven children— four girls and three boys. He lost all his mooey at farming, and for about 10 years obtained a livelihood by working at fencing, or indeed at any other labouring work that was goirig in the district. During this period his life was a hard one. He became Lord Reidhaven in 1884, and shortly afterwards stood for the position of M.H.R. in the general election, bub was beaten by Mr Shrimski. When that gentleman was nominated to a seat in the Upper House, Lord Reidhaven again endeavoured to represent Oamaru, but was again defeated, this time by Mr Hislop. On the death of his father, at the beginning' of this year, he succeeded to the title of, Earl of Beafield, since which he has taken no aotive part in public life, although he and the countess have unostentatiously been very liberal to the poor and afflicted, and it may truly be said of him that he died regretted by every one with whom he has come in contact. Ever 3mce his father's death he has been ailing. A few weeks ago he went on a trip to the Lakes, during which trip he became very much worse. Since hia return he gradually became weaker, dying at noon to-day of heart disease. He is succeeded by his son, James Ogilvy Grant (Lord 'ReidhavenJ, who is 12 years old. It is remarkable that this is the fourth Earl of Seafield to die in six years, The funeral takes place on Thursday.