THE LATE REV. WILLIAM SHIRRIFFS, M.A.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 4193, 24 November 1883, Page 2

THE LATE REV. WILLIAM SHIRRIFFS, M.A.

The Rev. Win. Shirriffs, M.A., a telegraphic notice of whose melancholy death by suicide appeared in last night's Star, occupied an important position in the Presbyterian Church. Bor twelve years lie was minister at Blenheim, and two years ago he was translated to Waipukurau, in the province of Hawke's Bay, of which church lie was minuter at the time of his death. Having a good knowledge of Church law, he was appointed junior clerk of the Assembly a few years ago, and, owing to the resignation of Rev. D. Bruce, lie was, by the Assembly which met in Auckland in February last, raised to the position of chief clerk. Ho was very reluctant to accept the office, involving as it did much additional labour and responsibility. He yielded, however, to the pressure brought to bear upon him by his brethren, on the promise that his labours would be lightened as much as possible by those who had it in their power to help him. The responsibility was too much for him. Deeply anxious for the prosperity of the Church, he was easily depressed when things did not go on as smoothly as he desired. It was noticed that since last Assembly he has not been in his usual cheerful frame of mind. He complained that there was not so much rcftl vital God- , lincss in the Church as there ought to be, and he wrote to several of his brethren- asking them, to bestir thcmaelves to bring about a happier state of spiritual prosperity, flo was also an arelont advocate of the cause of temperance, and ho grieved that it did not make rnoTo rapid progress. For some time back it has beon noticed that his mind was weakening. Melancholia at length took such a hold of him that it became necessary to place him in confinement. Jle gradually recovered, and his reason was so far restored that a fortnight ago he was removed to Wellington (or a change of air and scene. Last week he was pronounced to be almost quite well, and his friends little thought his ailment would have such a sad ending. Ho seemed to have the enjoyment of his mental faculties in sveh measure that it was not considered necessary to place him under strict watch. But the deceptive calm has. proved a source of grief to his friends, and: opened the way for tho removal from earth of one who was a diligent and faithful watchman and served h;s church with ability and zeal.