DEATH OF MR JUSTICE GILLIES

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7382, 7 August 1889, Page 2

DEATH OF MR JUSTICE GILLIES

AUCKLAND, July 2G. Mr Justice Gillies was seized with a fit of apoplexy last night and died at noon today. The news caused profound sensation in the oity, it was so entirely unexpected. As late as yesterday forenoon, he sat as President in a Court of Compensation with Messrs R. C. Barstow and R. Carr a. Assessors, and in the afternoon he paid a visit to the property in question, which ia situated at Orakei. When he retired to rest last night, he told his housekeeper to call him about seven o'clock this morning. When she called him, no reply was received, and upon opening th e door of his bedroom, Judge Gillies was discovered lying upon his bed in a n insensible condition with blood about his mouth. Dr. Honeyman was sent for. He arrived about nine o'clock, and immediately recognised the serious nature of the seizure. On his suggestion Drs. McKellai and Bond were summoned. From th e first little hopes were entertained of his recovery, still all that skill could do was tried by the three medical men in attend' ance. It was, however, of no avail, and Justice Gillies passed away about 11.80 o'clock. Dr. Honeyman will give a certificate that death resulted from ap plexy.

Mr R. C. Barstow, who sat with Mt Justice Gillies in the Compensation Court yesterday, says that after adjournmeal yesterday they drove to Orakei and inspected the property m question there. Mr Barstow also roue home on the tram car in company with Mr Justice Gillies, He says that the deceased appeared to bfl in excellent health yesterday, and that he declined au invitation to dine with ill Barstow, on the ground that he had a great many papers to look through. The Compensation Court was to have resumed at 2 p.m. to-day, but early this morning word was received that his Honor was too unwell to attend.

Judge Gillies had been in bad and unsettled health for several of the last years of his life, partly induced by the strain of his judicial duties. He suffered partiou* larly from an affection of the eyes, and about two years ago obtained leave of absence from the colony, and went Home on au English and European tour for the sake of his health. He returned last year benefited in some respects, but not properly restored, and since then again uad been indisposed at intervals until the date of his death. He had a slight attack of apoplexy two years ago. In various capacities, besides that of a chief Magistrate, Mr Gillies showed his ability and worth and strength of intellect.. In scientific subjects especially he always took a great interest, and was a valuable member of the Auckland Institute, which he assisted greatly in various ways, besides making many donations to the Auckland museum. Gardening was a pet hobby of Mr Gillies, and he took considerable interest in fai-ir* ing and agricultural operations and duV v cussions. The Sinclair-Gillies science scholarship, established five years ago by Judge Gillies, in connection: with the Auckland University College, as a memorial of his wife and of the late Dr. Sinclair, will serve to commemorate in some measure his own useful life. In all capacities, as settler, politician, lawyer, savant, and judge Mr Gillies was paid tb« -ugliest respect from all. The legal offices were closed to-day on receipt of the news of Mr Justice Gillies' death. The Law Society adjourned . iss ordinary meeting, as also did the Board of Education, who passed an expression, of regret and sympathy with the deceased gentleman's relations. 6 WELLINGTON, July 26.

The Supreme Court adjourned this after' noon's sittings as a mark of respect to the late Mr Justice Gillies. TlMAßtr,July26. Much sympathy is expressed here with the Rev. W. Gillies, on account of his brother, Mr Justice Gillies, dying iff suddenly at Auckland.