Death of Mr. William Rattray.

Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1300, 24 July 1874, Page 2

Death of Mr. William Rattray.

It was with profound and general sorrow that the public learned tliis morning of the death of Mr Eattbay. It was known that his illness was of a serious character, but it was hoped that a temperate and well-spent life would enable him to bear up against suffering until science should afford relief. Providence has willed it otherwise, and one of our most sincerely esteemed and respected citizens has finished his course on earth. It is perhaps too common to indulge in eulogy when death has closed the eyes and lips of one whom wo have known, but there will not be found one in Auckland to question the fitness of words of praise respecting Mr RattbaS1. He has, we think, left no enemy. We can scarcely conceive of his having such. His gentle, quiet, unassuming disposition disarmed hostility in any one with whom he differed, while his uniform and persistent devotion to the cause of all that was humane and good was a feature of character inseparable from the mention of his name. Mr Ratt ray's ambitions were not such as usually fire the mind of those that aspire to lead their fellow men His voice was not on the hustings or on the political platform; but in the quiet paths of pure philanthropy there was no form so wellknown in Aucklandasthatof MrWiLLiAM Eattray. Not merely did he devote bis means and his substance munificently to ail and every call of mercy, but far more valuable than this, he offered to the cause of Christian love the time rescued fioin the engrossing cares of business, the methodical service of a well-balanced and well-trained business mind, and the moving influences of a heart that loved mercy for its own sake. We do not refer in detail to his labours. He had his hand in every good work. But if we would single one institution we would point to the Home for Neglected and Destitute Children. There should be weeping and mourning there to-day. In relation to that institution Mr Rattray has been in trath a father to the fatherless, and any one that has ever been witness to his enthusiasm in the cause of these little waifs and strays whom his hand more than that of any other man has rescued from destruction, or to the tenderness and genial playful kindliness of his intercourse with the little gathered outcasts of society can appreciate what a oss that most valuable institution has austaiqed. We are safe in saying that during his long residence in Auckland there has not been one stain on Mr Rattray's moral or commercial character; nor do we think we have ever heard anyone speak in unkindly or unfriendly terms of him. In his church he was a liberal benefactor, an unwavering friend and supporter of all her operations, and what is perhaps more valuable to the cause of religion, a most consistent disciple. And if good works and consistent character are thetestof Christianworth, the words may well be addressed to him "Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.'' In his domestic and ptivatc relations Mr Rattray was regarded as the pattern of kindliness and affection. A worthy citizen and a good man Mr Rattray will long be rxiissed in Auckland. But if private grief can be alleviated by general regret there should be balm in the knowledge that there is a general and sincere sorrow at the death of one of the very worthiest and best of our fellow-citizens.