OBITUARY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6845, 6 May 1890, Page 4

OBITUARY.

SOLOMON NASHELSKI.

We greatly regret to announce the death of an old and generally respected citizen, Mr Solomon Naahelski, which occurred at a quarter to twelve o'clock last night. For some days past relatives and frienda have been fully aware that the end was near. For years the deceased has been a martyr to rheumatic gout, bufc when the close came it was painlessly peaceful.

Mr Nasheiski was born in Lubranitz, Eussian Poland, in 1822. On account of the first decree issued by the Emperor Nicholas, that youths over fourteen years should bo liable to be taken to serve in the Imperial army, young Nasheiski, who had just reached that age, lef fc his native place. He waß subsequently taken by the Prussians into tho fortifications of Posen, where he remained a political refugee under military orders. Here ho was located about fifteen mouths. When released, he was favoured with the " march road," and under marching orders made straight for England. In the home of liberty he followed different occupations, and passed through various ups and downs, such as might be expected in the career of a young adventurer in a strange land. In 1852, under engagement to Messrs D. and P. Falk and Co., whom he served for three years, Mr Nasheiski sailed away for Victoria, to which the eyes of all the world had jusfc been turned, as the certain road to big nuggets and high fortune; leaving to set up for himself a3 a general dealer, carrying on business on the Ballarat, Castlemaine, and Inglewood goldfields. He returned to Melbourne, and entered into partnership with the late Mr Julius Mendelson, of Temuka, and Mr Jacob Caro, carrying on businesa as general storekeepers afc Sandhurst, Lifcfclo Eiver, and Yachandandah. When the Otago goldfields were discovered, Mr Nasheiski abandoned Victoria, and, in conjunction with his nephew, Mr H. Nasheiski, opened in Eattray streot, Dunedin, as general merchants. Here two years passed rapidly away. In the meantime Mr Jacob Caro — Mr Nashelski's former partner — in conjunction with Mr H. Cohn (now of Messrs B. Petersen aud Co.) had opened in Christchurch, and being desirous of disposing of their business, Mr Nasheiski became tbe purchaser, and in consequence he removed to Christchurch in 1 864, arriving on the day on which the foundation stone of the Cathedral was laid. For the first few years after his location in fche City of the Plaina the business was carried on in conjunction wifch Mr H. Nasheiski, but subsequently on Mr S. Nashelski's own account.

There are few of our citizens better known in Christchurch than the subject of this brief sketch, and it may be said there are none more respected. Mr Nashelski's kindly disposition, unassuming manners and genial urbanity have won for him universal respect, whilst his generous hospitality and numerous sterling qualities have endeared him to a host of friendß. Although a faithful and consistent supporter of the faith of his people, Mr Nasheiski has shown, in tho distribution of his charities, thafc he is no respecter of nationalities or creeds, his lengthened and very varied experience amongst Englishspeaking people — more especially in the Colonies — having rendered him thoroughly ; cosmopolitan in his sentiments. His career in very many respects has been a I wonderful one, and the lesson of it ia aB encouraging as it is valuable. In the course of a long life there are few things thafc Mr Nasheiski has nofc been— except dishonest; but, whatever his sore trials and vicissitudes, hope, industry, perseverance and frugality enabled him to triumph over all diiiiculties, to land him afc last in a haven of independence and rest — a noble example to our Colonial youth. It shouid be mentioned that Mr Nasheiski was a member of the Canterbury Lodge, E.C, of the Masonic body, also a member of the Canterbury Kilwinning Eoyal Arch Chapter, and amongst the brethren of the mystic tie he held a high position. Mr Nasheiski was many timeß solicited to enter public life, but always steadily refused.

The deceased, whose age was sixtyeight, leaves a widow and five children, the youngest being six years old.