OBITUARY.

\V c regret to announce the death, which took place on Saturday afternoon, of Mr. John Maophail, M.A., Glas., until recently first assistant master at Clyde-quay School. A native of Benderloch, in the West Highlands of Scotland, Mr. Macphail came to the colony in 1893, suffering from chronic catarrh of the lungs. So much was he benefited by a year's rest and open-air life in North Olago that he seemed to have recovered his health. Seeking theu an entrance into the teaching profession, he was appointed to the Clyde - quay School. Mr. Macphuil was a distinguished graduate of Glasgow University, and a licentiate of the Free Church of Scotland* At the University he was brought under the personal iufluence of Professor Caird, now Master of Balliol, who found in him the finest material for the making of a philosopher. He was not of those who regard philosophy as a means to a degree. His interest in the subject was identical with his interest in life, and he studied it as at once the product and a criticism of the relations of life. Under the inspiring guidance of Professor Caird he soon found himself at homeSvith the various systems that have from time to time claimed the confidence of mankind. But he was not a man to accept any philosophy of life on the authority of any man or of any school without testing its hypotheses and examining its conclusions in the light of the highest and fullest insight, so that although Professor Caird acted as his guide and inspiration, his synthesis of the world and life was the product of his own reflection. This made him the man he was — broadly tolerant yet certain of his insight; strong and virile yet patient and sympathetic. He hoped to have placed the results of his thinking in book form. This was the last task he had imposed upon himself; indeed, he had mapped it out, but he was not permitted to see it accomplished. The second great influence that played into his life was that of Professor A. B. Bruce. He was never tired of telling his friends how much these two men, Caird and Bruce, had done for him. It was while studying at the Free Church College that Mr. Macphail's interest in comparative mythology was awakened. His achievements in this department were embodied in an essay on " Ethnic Sacrifices," which was regarded as one of the finest things on the subject in the English language. Although, owing to his prolonged illness, his work was little known in the colony, Mr. Macphail has left all the materials for an Antholog}', which his friends believe will give expression to his character and powers. Mr. George A. Broad, a well-known officer in the Union Steam Ship Company's employ, died at Dunedin on Thursday last. The deceased joined the company's service in Januaiy, 1892, as extra officer of the Tarawera during her Sounds trip, and was at one time connected with the Rotorua and Penguin. He was second officer of the Penguin when he was compelled to come ashore, at Wellington in June last on accouut of the illuess which has proved fatal to him. Mr. Broad had a reputation as an

artist. [by telegraph — press association.] Nelson, This Day. Wikitoria Katene, an old Native resident and mother of Mrs. Martin (" Julia "), died at the Maori pah, Wakapuaka, this morning. Her age was about 90. Deceased was the daughter of Henri Te Kepa, late chief of the Ngatiawa tribe, Taranaki. [by telegraph — own correspondent.] Masterton, This Day. Ranginui Wiremu Kingi, Chief of the Kura Pah, near Master ton, died of lung complaint yesterday.