DEATH OF MR E. CHURTON,

We have to record with regret the death of our old and respected fellow townsman Mr Edward Churton. Mr Churton died at hia residence in the Avenue on Saturday evening. His last illness was not long, he having been down town at his office on Thursday morning, It was only after lunch that day that he felt any indications of approaching illness, these took the shape of acute pains in the stomach. Medical assistance wa3 obtained, but on Friday the patient was no better and therefore did not leave his bed. On Saturday the illness increased, and during the day Mr Churtou lost consciousness, the disease (gout) having affected his brain. He never recovered from this unconscious state, but at about half -past seven passed quietly away; The deceased gentleman had been a resident of Wanganui since 1862 when he first joined his brother, Mr Henry Churton in this district. For a short time he was a resident in the country, but hehadfor many years past resided in town. His business connections were varied, but the 'positions held by him were all responsible posts. He was the founder of the Equitable Building Society some 13 years ago, and he continued to act as manager from the date of its birth till hia death. Ihe Gas Company owed not a little of its origination to Mr Churton's efforts. The Industrial School Estate was under his management almost from the commencement. As secretary of the Harbor Board he proved an efficient and trustworthy officer. He held various agencies in insurance, shipping, and other lines, all of which he filled honourably and ably. That the deceased gentleman possessed the confidence and esteem of the townspeople who knew him, is evident from the fact that he was, some years ago, Mayor of the town for about eighteen- months. Be was also elected a few months ago as the first Chairman of the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce. Aa a Justice of the Peace his commission dates back a number, of years. In all the positions in which he was placed, Mr Churton was fpund to be a gentleman whose many good qualities gained him the approbation and esteem of all who knew him. He leaves a widow, one son (Mr Walter H, Churton), and three daughters, viz., Mrs Ditmas, (wife of Lieut. Ditmas, 7th Dragoon Guards, stationed at Mhow, Bombay, formerly married to Captain Phipps), Mrs Lomax, of Waitotara, and Mrs Smith. One daughter, it will be remembered, died a year or two ago. The deceased gentleman had many friend 3in both town and country, who will hear with regret of his death, and who will join with us in expressing public sympathy with the relatives and friends. The funeral, which was, by the request of Mrs Churton, and in accordance with the known wishes of the deceased, made private, took place this afternoon. The Rev. ' Mr Tudor read the burial service at the grave, „ .