THE HON. W. ROBINSON'S DEATH.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 219, 14 September 1889, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE HON. W. ROBINSON'S DEATH.

The "grim Scythebearer" has robbed bhe colonial burt of one of its best supporters in the Hon. W. Robinson, and his death leaves a blank that is hard to fill. He has been a resident in New Zealand since 1857, settling ab firsb in Nelson, and during bhab long period has supported the game he loved so well with a free and liberal hand. Deceased was an Englishman to the backbone. If he had a failing it waa being eccentric, added to which he was oldfaehioned in his ideas, and probably this latter was the cause of his notoriety for frequent disputes with his jockeys and trainers. Previous to coming to this colony Mr Robinson raced horses in England, and his nearest attempt to pull off a "big thing" was running second with a mare named Gratitude in the Cesarewitch. For a long period the late Mr H. P. Lance was a partner with Mr Robinson in his racing transactions. Among the many horses owned by Mr Robinson with whom he scored successes may be mentioned Vanguard, Grip, Oudeis, Liverpool, Cheviot, Nonsense, Disowned, Salvage, Natator, Foul Play and Silver Prince. Most of Mr Robinson's successes on the turf were gained in the South, and although he made two or three descents on the Australian turf with a view of pulling off some of their rich prizes, he never proved successful. There seemedachancethoughbhisspringofthelong cherished wish of deceased's being fulfilled with either Merrie England or Chain Shot, had not King Death stepped in. In addition to giving practical support to racing he took an active part in the affairs of the Canterbury Jockey Club. Mr Robinson Was a storekeeper at Ballarat in the very early colonial days. He was elected to the Nelson Provincial Council in 1858, and was called to the Legislative Council in 1869. He held his seat in the lasb-mentioned Chamber up bo bhe time of his death. He Was an enormously wealthy man, and leaves five daughters behind him. His Joss to the racing world will be keenly felb, and in our Bmall colony ib is questionable if ib can be filled.