THE DEATH OF MR. J. L. WILSON.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 204, 28 August 1902, Page 3

THE DEATH OF MR. J. L. WILSON.

It is with sincere regret that we record to-day the death of Mr Joseph Liston Wilson, one of the senior proprietors of the "New Zealand Herald." Arriving in the colony with his parents sixty years ago, when Auckland consisted of a few scattered buildings, he formed one of that band of energetic colonists to whom was allotted the noble task of laying the foundations of a great city. His life was one of rare consistency, its every act being governed by a strong conscientiousness and an intense religious conviction. He took an active part in the commercial life of the city as a director of several leading companies, but his best thoughts were devoted to religious works, more especially in connection with the Young Men's Christian Association, of which he was the president for twelve years. Personally of a kindly disposition, courteous and unassuming in his manners, he commanded the friendship and respect of all who were intimately acquainted with him. He never aspired to play a part in public affairs, and therefore lacked the prominence which comes from participation in the proceedings of our local governing bodies and political institutions, but he formed one of that solid body of worthy citizens who are the mainstay of every well-ordered State. For several years Mr Wilson had suffered from diabetes, the result of an accident, but his constitution appeared to hold its own well against the enemy, and he pursued his ordinary avocations with wonderful cheerfulness, a spirit v/hich remained with him to the last. There is no doubt that the death of his brother, with whom he "tad been united in the closest bonds of business as well as fraternal association throughout the course of their lives, greatly affected him, and formed one of those shocks which break down the ramparts of health. It is a touching thing that two brothers who were so united as William and Joseph Wilson were should have passed away so nearly together. They carried into the third generation the reputation for sterling probity bequeathed to them by their father, and they have established for themselves an honourable place in the chronicles of Auckland.

The funeral of Mr. J. L. Wilson at Purewa on the 19th was.attended by nearly all of Auckland's leading citizens.