DEATH OF MR W. H. LEVIN.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8589, 16 September 1893, Page 8

DEATH OF MR W. H. LEVIN.

— TRIBUTE OF PARLIAMENT.

(PBESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, September 15. In the House of Representatives this afternoon after the formal business was concluded Mr Seddon rose and said he desired to announce to the House the sudden and unexpected death of Mr William Hart Levin, who had been called away that morniug. As a former member of the House Mr Levin was well-known and always highly respected. He had also the confidence of the representatives of every shade of public opiuion, and was an example which they might all well follow. Mr Levin's loss to the colony was very great, and to Wellington it wa3 almost irreparable. The deceased gentleman was a public benefactor in every sense of the word, and he had removed a reproach that for a long time attached to the city of Wellington by initiating and completing a free Public Librarj- in the city. That work aloue would keep his memory green in Wellington, and he (Mr Seddon) had only recently beeu with Mr Leviu at the opening of the Wellington Working Men's Club, an institution in which the deceased gentleman had always taken the greatest interest. He was, in fact, associated with every good work that was for the benefit of his fellow man, and he was loved and respected in the colony far and wide. He (Mr Seddon) thought it would somewhat soften the terrible blow which those who were dear to Mr Levin had received if the House endeavoured to recognise his many estimable qualities by adjourning, as a mark of respect to the deceased gentleman. He therefore proposed that this House do now adjourn till 7.50 p.m. Mr Rolleston seconded the motion. He said that New Zealand had lost one of her best sons by Mr Levin's death—one who when a member of the House had earned the esteem and confidence of all sides. His personal qualities and fairness of mind had also secured for him the respect of all his fellow members. He carried the same qualities into every walk of life, and by his death Wellington had lost one of her best and most prominent citizens. The deceased gentleman had done everything in his power that could promote the welfare of the people amongst whom he lived, and he never turned his face away from those who needed assistance or counsel. His pnblic acts were also governed by the highest motives, and huudreds of people would deplore his untimely end. His memory would also always be cherished with respect, gratitude and affection. Mr Fisher said he desired to thank the Premier for the motion he proposed. It was a tribute of respect for one who was held in the highest estimation, not only in Wellington, but throughout the colony. There had never been a man in Wellington who had done so much for the city, and it was a creditable thing for the Premier to ask the House to adjourn in memory of so worthy a man as Mr Leviu. He was a citizen and philanthropist in the truest sense of the word. He (Mr Fisher) had worked with Mr Levin for many years in Wellington, and there was no man better qualified than he himself to speak on that gentleman. He knew that Mr Leviu was evor ready to assist any cases of distress, and his many acts of kindness should keep him in respectful memory for many years to come. Mr Duthie also thanked the Premier for the motion to adjourn tha House. Mr Levin was in the truest sense a New Zealander, although Wellington was his native place. •He was a most worthy citizen ; he had the largest sympathy with all classes of the community, and his liberality exceeded that of any man he knew of in the colony. Mr Levin's loss would be very great indeed, and the deepest sympathy would be felt for his. widow and young family. Mr McLean, on behalf of the working men of Wellington, said the city could ill spare a man of Mr Levin's stamp, and he had remarked to another member only yesterday that no man in Wellington would have received a larger share of support than Mr Levin if he stood at the coming election. He felt that Mr Levin would be more missed than any other man in Wellington, and his good works would follow him. Dr. Newman also bore testimony to the ' many estimable qualities of the deceased ; gentleman. He said that there was no man in New Zealand who had shown such I princely generosity or done so much to benefit his feliow men. He also possessed such geuuine kindness of heart that any man who i approached him felt he had a true and tried friend in him. He had also shown a high standard of commercial morality. The whole concern of his life was to show kindness to those who needed it, and his loss would be very deeply felt. Mr Buchanan also thanked the Premier for proposing the motion. He felt that Mr | Levin was a colonist of whom it might well be said that no man had shown so many acts of kindness and was more entitled to the respect of the community. The motion was agreed to and the House adjourned. ' (press association telegram.) ! WELLINGTON, September 15. Mr W. H. Levin, of the firm of Levin and Co., one of the most prominent men in Wellington, died this morning from hemmorhage of the brain, accompanied by Eleurisy. He had been ill for some days, ut nothing serious was expected till the j attack took a sharp turn yesterday. Five doctors were in attendance at the last, but their efforts were unavailing. The flags in the city were lowered half mast, aud a number of business places were closed im- j mediately the news was known. Mr Levin had been a member of Parliament, anc* the Public Library here is due to his j initiative and generosity. Later, j Universal regret was expressed in town to-day at the death of Mr Levin, and his demise was the sole topic of conversation in j the city. To-night the City Council at ' once adjourned out of respect to the memory of the deceased, after passing a motion expressing condolence with his widow. The J funeral takes place on Sunday afternoon, and is expected to be the largest ever seen here. NAPIER, September 15. The flags were at half-mast to-day at the port when the news of the death of Mr Levin was received. Deep regret is expressed in all circles. Very great regret was expressed in Christchurch yesterday when the news of the death of Mr W. H. Levin, of Wellington, was announced. The deceased gentleman was very popular amongst his many friends J in this city, and flags at the offices of Dalgety and Co., the New Zealand Shipping Company, the National Mortgage and Agency Company, Messrs Kinsey. and Co., and of many other business premises were at half-mast.