UPPER HILLEND.

Clutha Leader, Volume IV, Issue 283, 31 January 1879, Page 5

UPPER HILLEND.

[FROM OUR OWK COttUEBPONDFST.] This week it is with sincare sorrow I report the death of Mr James Moir, who for some time past had been in failing health, but which was not,' till the last few weeks, such .as to cause. the immediate uneasiness of his friends. It was confidently hoped by many that, as the weather, which lately had been most trying, would take up, the deceased would recover his wonted health. But towards the commencement of this week it was quite apparent that these expectations were delusive, that the last moments of one of our most respected, amiable, highminded, generous settlors wns drawinonigh, and that it was but a matter of only a few days when the district would mum n deeply the loss of one whose place could not be easily filled. He was attended in his late illness by Dr Mnith, Balclutha, who did much to relieve him, but whose exertions were unavailing to save or prolong the Hie of one that will not soon be forgotten in the neighbourhood where he was beloved and respected for the. many grand and noble qualities of which lie was possessed, and which endeared him to everyone who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. The sad event took place at his residence, Ashbank, Hillend, in the presence of his intimate friends. In his late moments he w.as consoled by Rev. Mr M'Ara, whose constant and noble exertions, whose unremitting .zeal for tho spiritual welfare of his flock is most laudable, and worthy of comment. Mr Moir enjoyed excellent health till within the last few years, when consumption set in. He was born in 1822, was consequently in his 5.7th year, and was a native of Stirling Scotland, from whence he emigrated! His sad and untimely demise has indeed left a blank in a household to which he had been an ornament as a model father, a tender husband, a loving guide, a devout Christian, and has brought a sensive bereavement to not only his many friends, to whom he was endeared, but to everyone with whom he came in connection. He was possessed in a high decree of those qualities which makes man respected and esteemed. His frank, .genial, unassuming manners, his quiet ail'rciionate disposition, his amiable and esteemed character., his unsullied honour, his bland manners, his firmness in principle, and constancy in friendship, eunohled- him to . all, and gained for him tho respoct, the regard, the esteem, and love of all who knew him. Though he had not attained the maximum years allowed to man by the Divine Prophet, yet Ahe had ihe happiness, the consoling comfort, to see some r>i his children settled inlife to see around him at hia last moments those who from example, tuition, and the benefits of a liberal education, must yet distinguish themselves in the ranks of society, be an honour' to their country and a glory to their God. He has now gone from our midst, fully confiding in the mercies of ** Him whoovercainn death " To-day many a sorrowing heart will pay tribute affectionate to his memory, and breathe within themselves the prayer that he has passed from death to life, that he has left this " vale of tears" to enjoy an infinitely better hereafter, and he ,has gone to that blessed abode where*4irt?the words of Washington Irving— sbjrrpw . is never known, and where friends are never ' parted, IN JIEMORItrM... :- . T; y ' 7 *■■'-.-.'- - Weep not for him whose spirit .hathfl^d,' ' A A Be.sure that in Christ ho Bleeps 'Svitl,'fchft'de*(*r And a.^ bright crown of glhry «nuiroi*»his*Hi#W/-' Jio is far fiom the cru»Merf «t" ii.u wo.tld r --'aio-£y 7: . .'" • • ' - -iASSi^^f