DEATH OF THE KEY. CANON BATES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 202, 30 August 1897, Page 5

DEATH OF THE KEY. CANON BATES.

The Rev. Canon Joseph Bates, vicar of bhe Holy Trinity Church, Devonport, died yesterday afternoon ab his residence ab the North Shore. For some time past the reverend genbleman had been in bad healbh, suffering from consumption, and although he went to England for the purpose of receiving the besb medical advice last year, the improvemenb was only a bemporary one. Mr Bates, albhough rapidly declining, continued his ministerial work until aboub a fortnight ago, when ho was forced to cease active duties, The Rev. Canon Bates was a very old resident of Auckland, having arrived here with his father 50 years years ago, when he was two years of age. He was educated at Sr. John's College, and afterwards became a school teacher and had charge of Sb. Paul's School, Eden Crescent, for some time. He then entered the Church of England Ministry, being ordained by the late Bishop G.- A. Selwyn. His first charge was the Drury district, but he was in 1872 removed to Devonport, where he had been in charge of the parish for the last 25 years. For seven years ho was assistanb-masber of the Church of England Grammar School at Parnell under, the Rev. James Adams. Mr Bates was very popular with his parishioners and all his acquaintances, and much regreb is folb ab his death. He was for some years a valuable member of the Auckland Board of Education, He leaves a widow, bwo daughters (Mrs George Creebh and Mrs Robin Hay), a brother (Mr Charles Bates, of Auckland), and one sister (Miss Bates, of the Girls' High School, Devonport). The funeral will take place ab tho North Shore on Wednesday afternoon, the firsb service being held at Holy Trinity Church.