DEATH OF MR E. C. ASHBY.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14917, 16 March 1914, Page 4

DEATH OF MR E. C. ASHBY.

A well-known Christchurch merchan!: pioneer passed away on Saturday afternoon in the person of Mr Edward Christopher Ash by, of Ashby, Bergh and Co., Ltd., in his 61st year. Mr Ashby wns unmarried, and ho had had a long and successful career in tho city. Ho whs for many years president of tho Federal Clvb —1901-13—and on his retirement from that office recently was presented with a very fine portraii of himself, painted by Mr R. Proctor, by his fellow members. , ■ Mr Ashby suffered from sciatica for many years, but bis fatal illness compelled him to take to his bed on Tuesday week. Ho lost consciousness on Friday afternoon, and passed away at 3.25 p.m. on Saturday. Messrs A. G. Ashb.v and Walter J Ashby, brothers, are in Christchurch, and Mrs J. Norrie, a sister, is in luvereargill. There are two other brothers, one in Australia, and one elsewhere. . -^ The firm of Ash by, Bergh and Co., wholesale and retail ironmongers, was formed in 1860, and conducted by the late Mr S. Nasholski from 1864 to 1890, when Mr Ashby and the late Mr Ludvig Bergh acquired tho business, Mr Ashby having \>een associated with Mr Naehelski in it einco' 18(34, and Mr Bergh from the same date to his death in 1895. He retired from active management about two and a half years 9 gO. Deceased was an enthusiastic swimming and rowing man, and was one of the pioneer members of the CnrUtchurch Swimming Club, and the early rowing clubs, and held various offices of honour in them. He Avus one of tho original members of the Canterbury •Bowling Clul>, and its president in 1888 and 1900. and a life member. Iv 1890. with W. Savage, V. W. Parsons, and Ben Hale, he won the championship of the South Island, at Dunedin. Ho >ras also an active member of the A. and P. Association. HXs was for 25 years in the Volunteer Fire Brigade, and for many years foreman, and was one of tho original member* of the old City Guard** Volunteer Corps. Mr Ashby recently gave some of his reminiscences a.s a fire brigade man, and one of them had to do with tho big firo at Lyttelton iij October, 1870. The brigade, he said', had been practising, and noticed, as they finished, a glare in the sky which was taken for a grass fire. Finally, however, as the glare increased, the Mayor and several Councillors roused the telegraph operator, who found his confrere as Lyttelton calling frantically for help. Aβ soon as it was known what wae wrong the city firebells were rung, and the stationmaster aroused for a special to go dciwn to the port. Tbo fight against the flames, which destroyed the chief part of Lyttelton, is still remembered by old and was vividly recounted by Mr Ashbv. In connection with the death of Mr Ashby; the warehouses of Ashby, Berch ami C-α., Ltd., will bo closed all day to-day. Keep the skin soft and smooth by using McClinton's Colleen Soap. Countess of Liverpool writes:—"l always us* and recomend this soap." 5