OBITUARY

Hokitika Guardian, 1 November 1927, Page 3

OBITUARY

CHARLES JAMES NICHTINGALE.

Wc regret to record the death of Jlr Charles James Nightingale, of ilrittan Street, one of the proprietors ol the “ Guardian and Times,” which took place this afternoon shortly after three o’clock. The late 31 r Nightingale was a son of the late James Nightingale, who was overseer for many years tor the Public Works Department, and was also a contractor in various parts ol the district. The family came to Australia and then to New Zealand, anti as a young lad, Charles Nightingale accompanied his parents to Jackson liny where his father was connected with the development work carried nut tty

the New Zealand Government in connection wim the Settlement which was founded -there. Some years of his youth were passed in the far south till the family moved to Hokitika. For a time ns a young man he was on. aged also about public works, and was engaged on different mad works in Westland. Growing tired of the outdoor life .Mr Nightingale look up responsible duties Tor the late William Perry as storeman, when the premises of the firm were centred in Revell St. After some years’ service Air Nightingale was attracted to tbe printing trade, and became a compositor at the “West Coast Times” office in Weld Street, and ultimately under the late Leonard Northcroft, was the foreman of the printing works. Some time later Air Nightingale joined Air J. S. Dawes on the Hokitika “Guardian” staff in Lower llovell St., and eventually, with others took over The paper and printing works. Tn Till”, when the “AYcst Coast Times” was acquired and the “Times” Locarno incorporated in the “ Guardian,” the offices were moved to the more central quarters in Weld Street, and there the Company has remained established. AH Nightingale continued an active member of the Company for several years being in charge of the jobbing departent. Some few months ago he received a severe stroke, and since then has been incapacitated from work. He .had a. lingering illness, making some hopeful progress for a time, hut lately has been failing notably. During his long indispostion he received all possible care and attention from Airs Nightingale, who was a devoted nurse, and whose ministrations must have been responsible for his survival so long. Everything possible was done for the patient that loving hands could do, and the kind and constant attention was a great factor in extending the life of one who for some time was very ill. Air Nightingale leaves a wife and family of three daughters and four sons. Two daughters are married, Airs J. Shannon in Wellington, Airs A. Duncraft, in Christchurch. Aliss E. Nightingale is at the Hokitika Telephone Exchange. ATr C. Nightingale jr. is an empolyee at the hospital, .Mr H. Nightingale, a lino-typist at the “Guardian” Office, Air Al. Nightingale is of the staff of the Hokitika Post Office, and .Master Fred Nightingale is also engaged at the “ Guardian ” Office Air Nightingale’s brothers

are Air Fred. Nightingale, in TToburt, .Mr Albert Nightingale, of .McKay and Coy., drapers, Nelson, Air Henry Nightingale, 8.A., school teacher, of Carterton; and Afrs A. E. Clarke of Maurieeville, North Island, is a sister. The late Air Nigthingnle has been a member of the Hokitika Harbour Board and Westland'Licensing Committee for many years, lie has served also as a Justice of the Peace for a long time. * Jncvolimteering days he was a prominent member of the First Westland Rifles, and was connected with several local lodges. Tn times past he was a prominent Freemason and was a Past Master of Lodge Westland Kilwinning. A man of genial and affable disposition lies was liked by all. He had a wide knowledge of the Const, having travelled it from his early days. As a lad lie new many of the pioneers intimately and always took an interest in their welfare and success. He was known very widely up and down Westland and took a personal interest in the opening of the country, realising as he did after liis sojourn in the far South, the urgent needs for roads and bridges to afford improved access.