OBITUARY.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2661, 26 May 1908, Page 5

OBITUARY.

The late James Gardner, fellmonger, of Queenstown, whoae sad untimely end, resultant from no accident, came on Monday, 18th inst., was a native of Grangemouth, Scotland, as stated last issue, and was only in his 56th year The period of bis residence in Queenstown dates back to the year 1872, when be entered the employ of the late Mr Spence, who will be remembered by many as a surveyor here at tbat time. He afterwaHs worked on the lake steamers and a while later engaged in mining pursuits at Skippers. For the list 25 years, however, he had carried on tbe business of a fellmonger and woolclasser, and in addition to tbishad goue in considerably of late years for the exportation of rabbits from the district. Up till the time of his death, too, the iuterest which be had taken in mining iu his earlier years continued to manifest itself in bis connection with mining ventures in tbe Wakatipu. Tbe late Mr Gardner was a most enterprising man nnd as a result this enterprise brought about the employment of a great deal of 1< teal labor. As regards citizenship, be was one of tbe best stamp, for besides holding tbe position of a councillor, for many years, he always took a keeu interest in public affairs in general Speaking of him as a man, he was known and proved to be honest and upright of character, and generous, kind and sympathetic in disposition. When people were in trouble and in need of help he was ever ready to render assistance, ajd this be did in no ostentatious manner but, rattier, in a quiet way and frequently quite unknowu to anyone but;those he succoured. Altogether, the passing away of Mr Gardner means a (distinct and irreparable loss to tbe district Deceased is outlived by Mrs Gardner, whom ho married 23 years ago, she being the eldest daughter of Mrs James Gardner of Rossford House, Queenstown. The funeral took place on Thursday < afternoon at 2 o'clock when a large cortege followed tbe remains to their last resting place in tbe Queenstown cemetery, tbe service at tbe grave being conducted by tbe Rev. James Wilson, of whose Church Committee deceased was a member. Behind tho mourners the Mayor and members of the Borough Council walked in a body as a last tribute of respect to brother councillor. A beautiful wreath was also placed on tbecoffin,'and thereafter removed to the grave, by the Corporation. JDecp sympathy is felt for Mrs Gardner in the sore bereavement which she has'' sustained in the death of her good husband.