OBITUARY.

♦ [Per Press Association.] NELSON, Sept. 15. Mr Jas. Sclaai&ers, the local head 1 of the firm of Messrs Sclandera and Co., died) this morning, aged fifty-five. He had been a resident, of Nelson for thirty or forty years, and was greatly respected, also a prominent citizen. He had been in "feeble health for many years, and succumbed to an attack of influenza. He leaves a widow and! four children. An old Canterbury settlei, in the .person of Mr Aaron Ayers, died this morning. The late Mr Ayers, who arrived at Lyttelton by the ship GananugUb in 1860, married a daughter of Mr F. Willhuns in 1859, and 1 leaves four sons and four daughters living. He always took a keen interest im municipal aifairs, and although hoi had bsen twice MayoT of Ghristehurch, he did not disdain thb position of .a Councillor for the borough of Limvood, in which he i-esiided. He was well, known as ail autioneer, for which calling- his unfailing courtesy and ready geniality rendered him, well qualified. He was a most' enthusiastic gardener, and was rarely to'be seen without a choice and tasteful button-hole. In matters of business jiis judgment was sound, and his advice, wh'ei)! askedi for, was ever at, tthe service of others. The late Mr Ayers Trill be sincerely mourned, "not only by <those who knew him well, but by many witlii whom he •had little more than a passing acquaintance.