ORITUARY.

' THE HON EENEST GBAY. Another very old colonist passed away yesterday in the person of the Hon Ernest Gray. Deceased was in town on Saturday apparently in his usual health, but, on rieing yesterday morning, complained of feeling unwell. Soon after breakfast he was taken worse, and medioal aid w»s immediately summoned, when it was found that he had burst a blood-vessel on the brain. The usual remedies were applied, and in the afternoon he appeared to be much Letter. About eight o'clook, however, unfavourable symptoms supervened, and half an hour later Mr Gray succumbed from failure of the heart's action. The Hon E. Gray, who was sixty-three yearß of age, came to the colony in the early days, and took up the Coldatream Bun, on the Bangitata. While there he married a daughter of Colonel Maopherson, of New South Wales. Upon disposing of that property come yeara ago he purohaaed the Hoon Hay Estate, where he has resided ever since. He held a seat in the Legislative Council from 1867 until 1883. In the latter year he virtually retired from politics, and from that time has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. He has been generally * known as one of the moat successful breeders of loner-wool sheep in Canterbury, and was always considered an expert in all matters connected with stock. Ever since his arrival ia Chrietchtirch he haß taken a deep interest in the affairß of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and waa a leading member of the committee of that body* on many occasions filling the office of judge in the sheep' olaasea at the Metropolitan Shows, as well as at other fixtures. He leaves a wife and four daughters and two eons to mourn their loss. Two of his daughters are married, one to Mr A. Barker and the other to Mr G. H. N. Helmore, while the remaining daughters and the eons are living at home. Ha funeral will take place at the Halswell Cemetery on Wednesday.