KATIKATI

Bay of Plenty Times, Issue XX, 17 June 1892, Page 2

KATIKATI

(fbom a cokbespondenx.) Quite a gloom was cast over the district on Mouday when we learnt of the very sudden death ©f Mr Albert J . Johnston youngest son of Mr Noble Johnston of Kitikati, and formerly of Omab, County Ty:one f Ireland. For a considerable time our young friend/ who was in his 25th year, had been working in the mining districts of Waitekauri and lately at Waihi, where^ in sinking a shaft, he was exposed to wettings, particularly after the late heavy rains. Having caught 1 a cold, instead of taking rest and nursing his illness, being of • Herculeau ' strength he took no notice until his case became serious. He then desired his friend Mr Albert Bull to take him home, and when his com- j panions bade him good- bye, and said that he would soon be better and b .ck again to see them, He replied, 'No I shall never be in Waihi again, lam going home to die.' On Sunday morning Mr Bull took him over in a coach as far as his brother's residence at the Uretara, Katikati, where on being put to bed, he immediately got worse and became delirious. Dr Bullen was promptly in attendance and a second Doctor was sent for, but at 4 o'clock on Monday morning, the Hufferer expired in the arms of loving friends.

As soon as the news went forth, everyone was astounded at the shock, and evidence of the respect and esteem in which the deceased and his family were held, was to be seem in the large concourse of people, including many from Waihi and Tauranya, wh > | assembled to pay their last tribute to the memory of a dear young friend. At the. hour for removal, the Rev. Mr Scott, who from the first had kept faithful vigils conducted a most impressive service. The coffin was borne on the shoulders of his companions of Waihi, to the coach, and from the Cemetery gate to the grave, the chief mourners being his father, Mr Noble Johnston, his two brothers Messrs N. A. Johnston, and Adam Johnston and the Rev. Mr Scott. The last mentioned having conducted a second service at the grave, many of the strong and healthy mourners were melted to tears, and as they deposited their last tribute of affection on the coffin lid, the solemn muffled sound praciairaed a warning note to all, that, ' The race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong,' and the sudden demise of our young friend cut down in the prime of manhood calls aloud, *Be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh.' He has lefs a bereaved family consisting of father, mother, seven sisters and two brothers to mourn the loss they have surtained, and they may rest assured that they have our unfeigned sympathy in this their hour of sorrow, and we commend them to Him alone who can wipe away all tears.