OBITUARY.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 12063, 27 January 1902, Page 3

OBITUARY.

MR W. B. BEILBY. ["HASTINGS COBBESPONDENT."] Sincere regret was expressed by all when it became known that Mr W. Beilby had quietly passed away on Pri- . day night, and business places were ira- • mediately draped and flags flown halfmast. Mr Beilby only returned from a trip to the Old Country some three months ago, when he appeared to be in the best of health, but he shortly became indisposed, from which he never rallied. In the death of Mr Beilby the country fc loses another of the old pioneer colonists, p his first arrival in this country dating as far back as 1855, in which year he came ° to the Bay of Islands in the Josephine E Willis. With the exception of a couple j of trips Home, Mr Beilby has practically , been a resident of Hawke’s Bay since, and he has grown with the district, his 1 name being associated at one time or another with nearly every institution of i importance in Hawke’s Biy, About the year 1880 he settled in , Hastings as a commission and insurance agent, and later accepted an appointment as book-keeper with W. E. Beck and Co. After this firm closed he, with Mr Maddiaon at partner, took over the business, which is still successfully being carried on. At different times Mr Beilby had been secretary to the Hastings Building Society and Hawke's Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society. He held the position as secretary for the latter body some 17 years, and conducted the affairs of the society so successfully that at the general meeting of that body in 1899 he was unanimously elected a life member. He was a prominent Borough Councillor for many years, and as a Justice of the Peace was always at the service of the local Court-house. He was clerk of the scales for the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club. As a Mason he gained the proud position of Grand District Superintendent. He will also be missed sadly in the work of the Anglican Church, for which he officiated as lay reader. It is not too much to say that Hr Beilby lived for other people, self being his last consideration, and in thinking of his many good qualities it is no wonder that his loss is so deeply and sincerely mourned by all, both rich and poor, throughout the district. Deep sympathy is also felt for Mrs Beilby in her bereavement, and for Mr Maddison, his partner in business. The interment will take place at 2 p.m. to-day. By special invitation the members of the Heretaunga Lodge attended the evening service at St, Matthew’s Church yesterday, and the Rev. J. Hobbs gave a special address with reference to the late Mr Beilby and his connection with Masonry. During the course of his remarks he stated that he had asked the Masons to attend, as both the church and the lodge were in common sympathy, because they both had to mourn the loss j of a brother. He described Masonry as the cultivation of a brotherly and Christian spirit, and said Mr Beilby had been | a good Mason. At the conclusion of the - service the “ Dead March ” in “ Saul ” ( was played on the organ. f

REV. T. J. WILLS. foRMONDVILLE CORRESPONDENT.] The Rev. Thomas John Wills passed away at 630 on Friday evening. The hearts of bit parishioners have gone out to him in his failing health during the last two years, and in his sufferings of the past few months, when it became evident that he would not long be with us. In him the temperance cause has lost a sincere friend. He was an ardent prohibitionist, and most deeply will his death be felt by that party, for which he worked as long as he had health and strength to do so. Very sincere sympathy is felt for his widow and throe young sons. Those who are mourning for him must surely feel comfort in the thought that he was fully prepared to die; he felt that according to his lights he had done hie duty here, had made all arrangeun nt for the welfare of those dependent on him whom he was leaving behind, and met his end with resignation and fortitude. The funeral will leave the Ormnntlville vicarage at half-past 1 this (Monday) afternoon.

MK3 GEORGE ABEAHAMS. [WAIPAWA CORRESPONDENT.] The announcement on Friday evening of the death of Mrs George Abrahams, came with deep sorrow to her numerous circle of friends. The deceased lady had suffered great affliction through disease for some years, and the “ scythe of the reaper” has gathered to complete rest one who, despite much personal suffering, had acquired many friends by her kindliness and good nature. Mrs Abrahams was a colonist of some 27 years residence, and is survived by her husband and one son. Many wreaths and other floral tributes of deep sympathy with the family were sent to her late residence. The deceased was interred on Sunday, the funeral service being conducted by the Eev. W. Swinburn, of the Anglican Church.