MR. F. G. CAMPBELL FOUND DEAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6053, 12 April 1881, Page 5

MR. F. G. CAMPBELL FOUND DEAD.

j _— -■ Mr. Francis George Campbell, wellknown in Auckland for many years as a contributor to newspapers, died very suddenly yesterday svening. At the time of his death, he was in the employ of Mr. J. D. Wickham, proprietor of the Auckland Free Lance, in the capacity of publisher and bookkeeper. For some "past his health has been failing, and during the last few days he has complained of a cold and hoarseness. Yesterday he was about the town a good deal, especially in the afternoon, but alleging the soreness of his throat, he held little conversation with any ..who accostedhim. Mr. Campbell was in the Lance office up to halfpast 5 o'clock, and about 6 o'clock Sir. Wickham saw him in Queen-street. On returning to the . Lance office in Vulcan Lane at 7 o'clock, Mr. Wickham found him lying in a corner. Thinking that Mr. Campbell was seriously ill, he 'ran to: the shop of . Mr. Aickin, chemist, and Mr. Aickin's assistant accompanied him,, bringing restoratives. After deceased was lifted up medical assistance was sent for, and Dr. Lee soon arrived. After a careful examination of the body, and from his former knowledge of deceased, he stated that death was the result of serous apoplexy, and will give a certificate to that effect, so that an inquest will not be necessary. The career of the deceased has been a chequered one. He lias no relatives in New Zealand, so far as we can learn, but he leaves a wife and family, with whom he has had no communication for years, in New South Wales. Mr. Campbell was the son of a clergyman, and was for some time an employtS in the New South Wales Treasury. He was a land surveyor by profession, and for many years followed that calling in Queensland. About eight or nine years ago he came to New Zealand, a broken man, although bright in intellect and gentlemanly in demeanour and conduct. He found casual employment as contributor to tho daily newspapers, but his old failing pursued him, and he finally left for the South Sea Islands to try his luck there. He was not successful, and he returned to Auckland, after which he obtained employment on the Free Lance, then newly started. He made a second trip to the Islands, and resided for about nine months on a small island, teaching a few children belonging to the two or three European families at the station. He returned six months ago, when he resumed the employment which he left, and continued in it up to the time of his death. Mr. Wickham, tho employer of the deceased, has kindly undertaken the funeral expenses for the deceased, whose faults were all his own, and who has at last paid the penalty. A groat many will miss Mr. Campbell from his usual walks.