In Memoriam.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 125, 3 May 1883, Page 2

In Memoriam.

DROWNED AT SEA. In bur telegrams will ba found tbe sad news that Mr James . Bertram,, recently of Halcombe, has been drowned iv Cook Strait, off the steamer ifuia. The late Mr Bertram was well-known m the district, and especially m and around Halcombe, where he has been residing for several years past. He came to Wanganui some eighteen years ago, and was for some time assistant m j the drapery department m Messrs Taylor and Watt's shop, where b/ his venial manners, ha made many friends. I He afterwards started the flax industry near Fpxton, m conjunction with Mr Albert Owen, of Wellington ; bub m that enterprise he was unsuccessful. Mr Bertram was an enthusiast m all matters appertaining to the preparation of flax, and his patents for.its manufacture were considered likely to successfully ; solye the fproblem .of how W work the. fibre to the best advantage, and at a minimum of cost. One of his machines > was fitted up by Mr D. Murray, of the Wanganui Foundry, under Mr Bertram's personal supervision, and was undergoing its trial experiment at Mr Lash's mill, when fire destroyed the entire machinery. Mr Bertram was manager for Mr Lash for some time, and afterwards ventured into business himself, though m that he did not succeed. He has lately been again devoting his earnest attention to experimenting iv flax machinery, m which no doubt he would have ultimately succeeded, but tor his uutimely death. The I deceased was generous to a fault, and m private life was universally esteemed. He leaves a widow and family behind I to mourn the loss of one, who whatever I occasional failings, waa to them a loving husband and an affectionate parent. They have our respectful sympathy m the sudden visitation that has deprived tuem of the head of the household and left .them unprotected, and we also fear but very indifferently provided for.