OBITUARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9083, 18 June 1888, Page 10

OBITUARY.

♦ DEATH OF MR. W. R. WADDEL. We regret to announce the decease of 'Mr. W. R. Waddel, who died at his residence, Hobson-street, on Friday, the Sth June, at a quarter to four p.m. For the past twelve months, Mr. Waddel has been in more or less failing health, the result of a brain affection, due to worry. During his public career he held a multiplicity of offices, meanwhile having to attend to the details of his own business, the result being that he overtaxed his energies to so great an extent that the malady referred to supervened, and eventually caused his death. F'jw men have been so intimately connected with the progress of this city and its pnblic institutions as was the late Mr. Waddel. He arrived in Auckland in 1847 fvom Glasgow when a mere lad, and he at tonce set himself to work with such industry nnd perseverance at his trade of a baker that seven years later he was enabled to etart in business, his success being from the first assured. In 1859, when the volunteer movement was established, he became a member of that body, and served as Senior Lieutenant of the Victoria Company of Rifles during the Waikato War. At the close of seven years' service he resigned his connection with the volunteers, and in 1876 he was elected to the City Council, and he became in 1879 a member of the Harbour Board, with which body he had ever since been identified, having a few months ago been elected chairman for the third term of office. Mr. Waddel was looked upon in 1882 as the coming Mayor, but he gracefully deferred to a wide-spread feeling in favour of Mr. J. M. Clark fulfilling a third term, and in the following year this act of courtesy was remembered to his credit, for he was then elected to the Mayoralty without opposition,and wasagain returned Mayor of Auckland in 1884 and 1885. For some time Mr. Waddel held the position of Chairman of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. Latterly he again showed an interest in the volunteer movement, when he became the Captain of the City Guards Corps. The deceased gentleman filled a large number of minor positions, including offices in the Oddfellow and Freemasons Lodges, and at the time of his death was P.M., D.G. Treasurer, in the District Grand Lodge of Auckland. The late Mr. Waddel leaves a wife and several sons and daughters to mourn their loss.

The funeral of the late Mr. W. R. Waddel took place on June 10, and was one of the largest which has ever taken place in Auckland,

Shortly after three o'clock the coffin was borne out and placed on the gun carriage, covered with the Union Jack, and on it were placed the deceased officer's sword, gloves, and helmet, the coffin being laden with beautiful wreaths and crosses of white flowers. Whilst it was being carried out the companies saluted, and at this moment the bell of St. Matthew's Church commenced to toll the knell for the dead.

The mournful procession then moved off in the following order :—Lodge Fountain of Friendship, 80 members and officers, in funeral regalia ; 117 members and officers of the various Masonic crafts, and the officers of the District Grand Lodge of Auckland, also in regalia, with Rev. E. H. Gulliver, chaplain ; City Guards corps, with reversed arms, 59 strong, under command of Lieutenants Dormer and Shemilt; Garrison Band, Artillery Band. The gun carriage with the coffin followed, and immediately behind were four carriages with the chief mourners, Messrs. William, George, and Ernest Waddel (sons of deceased), P. Hannken, R. Eagleton, and other relatives of the late Mr. Waddel, the Rev. W. Tebbs, chaplain of the City Guards, being in the second carriage. In the fifth carriage were His Worship the Mayor (Air. Devore), and the Town Clerk (Mr. P. A. Philips). . After this carriage came the Royal Irish Corps, 40, under Captain Leahy; A and O Batteries of Artillery, 40, commanded by Captain Geddis, the members of the O Battery being considerably in the minority; Onehunga, Waitemata, PonBonby, and Devonport Naval Corps, 111,

under Captains Hulse and Kitchens, and Lieutenants Miller and Dacre, and the Auckland Navals, under Captain Parker; Victoria Rifles, about 30, Captain Cooper. Then followed an assembly of members of various companies—Engineers and Hobson Newton, and Gordon Rifles, under Captains Elmes, Little, and Robertson, and Lieutenants Fairs and Buchanan. A number of the volunteer officers walked at the rear of the column formed by the companies, including Lieutenant-Colonels Shepherd and Dignan, Commandant Leßoy, Majors Clifton, Payne, Anderson, Quartermaster Self, and others. Following the volunteers i were several of the general public on toot, and then came four mourning carriages with the members and officers of the Auckland Harbour Board, carriages with tho City Council, and others, a number of private traps, Ac, closing tho long cortege. Amongst those in the processsion were Messrs. J. Kirkwood, G. Aickin, E. W. Morrison, Captain Olive, Messrs. W. Berry, W. Errington, P. Laoigan, A. Kidd, J. Patterson, A. F. Gorrio, J. Hughes, J. Swales, W. Crowthor, J. J. Holland, C. Atkin, D. F. Evans, J. Davies, H. G. Garratt, J. Larkin, M. Montague, C. S. Wright, F. Phillipps, Dr. Tennent, and others. As the procession commenced to move, the Garrison Band with muffled drums played the "Dead March in Saul," and were relieved in turn by the Artillery Band. "The Final Halt" and " The Artillery March," a composition by a local author, Mr. Hannken, were also played. The procession was very imposing, and it is computed that fully 15,000 people witnessed the obsequies. The General cemetery in Symonds-strcet was reached at a few minutes past four, and here the coffin was carried to the grave by four gunners of the "A" Battery, tho Rev. W. Tebbs meeting tho body at tho "ate. Mr. Tebbs read the prayers, and the Rev. E. H. Gulliver delivered a brief address to the Masonic brethren present, who, when the coffin had been lowered into the grave, threw in the sprigs of acacia which they carried. Three valleys of musketry were fired by the City Guards, when the grave was filled in, and the crowd dispersed.

DEATH OF MR. SAMUEL BROWNING.

Mr. Samuel Browning, who for many years has held a foremost place amongst the citizens of Auckland, died at his residence, Epsom, at an early hour on tho 11th June, aged 87 years The deceased gentleman was the eldest son of Mr. Thos. Browning, who held a high position for 25 years in the General Post Office, London. Mr. Brownine entered into business at an earl}' age, and became a member of a firm who were large shipowners, and had business connections in many parts of the world. In the year IS3O Mr. Browning undertook a journey to the Rocky Mountains of North America, a journey which at that time was attended with considerable danger, and one which but few white men had previously accomplished. In IS4O deceased was a passenger by the first steamship which visited Australiathe Sea Horse. After visiting Adelaide and New South Wales he proceeded to Manilla, and thenv-e into the interior of China as far as iNkng-po, where ho remained for more than a year, being a spectator of the various exciting episodes of the Chinese war of that period. Whilst in China he became an intimate friend of Dr. Gufczlaff, the celebrated German traveller. Mr. Browning took an active and prominent part in obtaining in the year 1847 a. repeal of the Navigation Laws, which at that time imposed heavy restrictions upon foreign merchant vessels trading with Great Britain, and gave important evidence on the subject before a select committee of tho House of Commons appointed to enquire into that subject. He was fully qualified to give valuable testimony, for we find from a perusal of his evidence before the committee, that he had at that time been a resident in France, Holland, Germany, Portugal, and in every part of the United States —in Van Piemen's Land, Port Essington, and Manilla—in Cliusan, Amoy, and almost every Chinese port — the Phillipine Islands, the Indian Archipelago, Singapore, Hongkong, and Macao. Returning to Australia again, Mr. Browning was chosen to fill the onerous and responsible position of manager and inspector of the Royal Bank of Australia, .and was for some time engaged in winding up and settling the affairs of that institution. In 1855 Mr. Browning came to reside permanently in New Zealand, choosing Auckland as his home. From that time he has taken an active part in promoting the interests of the leading commercial institutions carrying on operations in Auckland. He was at the time of his decease a director of the Bank of New Zealand, the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, and the New Zealand Insurance Company, and always took an active and prominent part in all commercial matters. The deceased gentleman deservedly obtained the confidence and esteem of all who came in contact with him. For many years Mr. Browning was prominent as a business man, and up till a few weeks ago he came frequently to town to attend the directors' meetings of the companies with which he was connected. He was a man of wonderful activity for his years, but latterly he showed signs of failing. He leaves to mourn his loss his widow and his eldest son, Mr. S. B. Browning, of London (whois now in Auckland), and two daughters, Lady Chute, and Mrs. James Russell.

The remains of the late Mr. Samuel Browning were interred at St. Andrew's Cemetery, Epsom, on the 13th of June. Shortly after three p.m. the funeral procession left the late residence of the deceased gentleman in Onehunga Road, the carriage immediately following the hearse being occupied by the chief mourners, Messrs. S. B. Browning and J. B. Russell (son and son-in-law of deceased), the former having recently arrived in this city from England. A long line of carriages followed, amongst those present being Messrs. J. McCosh Clark, D. L. Murdoch, A. K. Taylor, J. C. Firth, T. Morrin, W. S. Wilson, A. Buckland, W. Aitken, E. Hesketh, P. Darby, C. Canning, Thos. Buddie, L. D. Nathan, W. Hill, J. Baber, J. M. Shera, G. P. Pierce, Kissling, T. Payten, Gardner, W. Crowther, T. M. Haultain, Reader G. Wood, T. Wood, Jas. Dilworth, J. M. Philson, Innes, Rev.

Shirley Baker, Messrs. J. Winks, Wynyard, Belcher, and others. The prayers at the grave were read by the Rev. Mr. Richards. The coffin, which was of polished

wood, was laden with many beautiful crosses and wreaths of white flowers. DEATH OF JUDGE JOHNSTON. The Government on Juno 3 received a cable from the Agent-General announcing the death of Mr. Justice Johnston, who recently proceeded home for the benefit of his health. At the Supreme Court, Wellington, on Monday morning, June 4, reference was made to the death f of Judge Johnston. Judges Prendergast, Williams, Ward, Richmond, and Gillies, and the whole of the Wellington bar were present, also the Attorney-General, Sir R. Stout, Mr. Wilson, M.L.C., Sir G. M. O'Rorke, Messrs. Stewart and Samuel, M.H.R.'s, Messrs. T. Cooper, West, and Morrison, barristers. The Chief Justice, addressing the AttorneyGeneral, said they had been informed of the lamentable death of Judge Johnston, and the Bench considered it their duty to make a proper acknowledgement of the loss sustained in consequence. The present, however, was not the proper place to air their words. The Bench and the Bar well knew how the late Judge performed his duty. He was possessed of great natural ability, and his loss would be deeply regretted both by the Bench, Bar, and public. Sir Frederick Whitaker, on behalf of the New Zealand bar, asked leave to pay a tribute of respect to the late judge. Thirty years ago, Sir Frederick Whitaker said, in his capacity as AttorneyGeneral, he had occasion to welcome Judge Johnston to the shor ee of New Zealand, and subsequently to congratulate him on his appointment as judge. During that thirty years, he had administered justice in its widest sense, and he was quite sure that not only as a judge, but as a citizen and a neighbour, he was highly esteemed by all, and had set a noble example to the profession of New Zealand. This was the first occasion in New Zealand that a judge had died a judge. Previously the judges had resigned before death. When Judge Johnston left for his visit to England, it was not thought likely that he would ever sit on the Bench again, but it had been hoped that he would have returned and resided amongst us in the ease which he had so justly earned. Sir F. Whitaker spoke feelingly, and concluded by remarking that he had nothing more to say, further { than he deeply regretted the death of so

distinguished ft judge, and trusted thai; he would now receive the reward of the just. The Chief Justice then intimated that the Court would be adjourned till next day. ' The late Mr. Justice Johnston was an Aberdonian, having been born in the granite city in IS2O. Ho was educated at Marischal College, in his native town ; also at King's College, London, and at Paris. He took his M.A. degree in 1535, and entered Lincoln's Inn in 183S, and as early as 18-12 came into notice as the author of a treatise on " Exchequer Bills." He was called to the bar in 1843, and from that year to 1858 practised his profession in Yorkshire, being Deputy Recorder of Leeds in 1557. During bis residence in the North of England, he contributed tho Court of Common Pleas reports to tho Law Journal. In April, 1858, he received the Queen's warrant as one of the Puisne Judges of New Zealand, arriving in this colony in October of the samo year. From ISSS to 1875 ho was stationed at Wellington, and since then at Christchurch. While in the colony the late Judge was the author of "The New Zealand Justice of the Peace," one of our best known legal handbooks, which has gone through tliroo editions ; also, "The Practice of the Supremo Court," and three volumes of "Reports of the Court of Appeal." The most important criminal cases that came boforo him wore the trial of tho native prisoners during the wars of To Kooti, of the Maungatapu murderer, and latterly of Thomas Hall, of Timaru, tho wife-poisoner.

Mr. Harry Murray, eldest son of Mr. T. L. Murray, manager of the Bank of Now Zealand at the Thames, expired on May 21, at the residence of Mr. Holmden, Morth Shore, at the early ago of 23 years and 10 months. Mr. H. Murray was a young man of great promise, and took a very high position in the Nelson College during his scholastic career in that institution. He took to the profession of surveying, and was employed in that capacity in tho Northern districts. His constitution, howover, appears to have beon hardly equal to the hardships of the profession, and lie was taken ill near Warkworth. On May IS Mr. T. L. Murray received a telegram, informing him that his son was dangerously ill, and after arranging by telegraph to have a vehicle waiting at the North Shore, he started, accompanied by Mrs. Murray and Dr. and Mrs. Payne. They arrived from the Thames at four o'clock on May 18, and at once proceeded overland to Mahurangi, where they found Dr. Lawry attending to the case. It appeared that Mr. H. Murray had been ill for several days from either typhoid or low fever, probably the former. Mr. Murray chartered the Rose Casey, and brought his son to the North Shore on the 20th May, taking him to Mr. Holmdon's house, where ho was carefully attended during the night. Medical skill, however, was unable to cope with the disease, and the young man died ac ten o'clock a.m. on the '21st May. Ho was interred at the Thames. Our correspondent there telegraphed on tho 21st. May :— "Much sympathy is expressed hero with the bereaved family."

A widespread feeling of regret was felt on May 20 when it became known that a cablegram had been received from Rio de Janeiro announcing the death of Mr. 11. A. Watt, manager of the Bank of New Zealand. Christclmrch. He had received leave of absence from the Bank to take a trip Home for the benefit of his health, which had never been good, and had latterly given grave cause for anxiety. When it became known in Christchurch, where Mr. Watt was very popular, that he intended going Home, lie was presented with a complimentary address_ and a purse of sovereigns. He left Now Zealand by tho Rimutaka, which sailed from Wellington. While in that port his state was so critical that a cable code was arranged with Mr. Tolhurst, the manager of the bank at Wellington, by which he could keep his friends informed of his condition. On May '26 a cablegram was received from Rio, announcing that Mr. Watt had died on the voyage to that port. Mr. Watt, who was suffering from consumption, came out to this colony in the Rotorua, on her first voyage from Glasgow, about ten years ago. The change benefited him greatly, and it was hoped that a permanent cure had been effected. Latterly, however, his health again gave way seriously, and it was in hopes that a trip home might benefit him that lie left by the Rimutaka. Mr. Watt received his early training in the North of Scotland Bank. On coining out here he was appointed general ledgerkeeper, and soon afterwards was made accountant. Five years ago he was marie manager of the bank in Christchurch, where his hearty and genial disposition soon made him as general a favourite as he had been in Auckland. He leaves a wife and three children, for whom very great sympathy will be felt.

One of Auckland's earliest colonists, Mr. Robert Leslie, engineer and millwright, died on May 2.'> at the age of 70. He arrived in 1842 in the Duchess of Argyle, and in the early days erected nearly all the machinery in the various local flour mills. He was much esteemed and wellknown, although he never took part in public affairs. The funeral left his son's residence in Baker-street, oil' Nelson-street, on May '24, at half-past two.

Mr. William Fitzgerald, solicitor, Wellington, and son of Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald, Comptroller-General, died at six p.m. on Saturday, Juno 2, after a brief illness. Deceased took a prominent part in all athletic games, and was captain of the boating club.

Our Waipu correspondent writes: — Death is thinning the ranks of the early pioneers of this district. Mrs. Ross, the widow of the late Roderick Ross, passed over to the great majority on Saturday morning, the 20th of May, after a long illness, aged 69 years. The deceased lady was the eldest daughter of the lute Rev. Norman McLeod, and a sister to Mrs. H. F. Anderson, of Auckland. Mrs. Ross was born at Pic ton, Nova Scotia, in the year 1819, and emigrated to South Australia from Cape Breton, with her husband and the rest of her family. After a brief sojourn in the other colony, the family came to New Zealand, and eventually settled at Waipu, in 1854, where, by their industry and thrift, they prospered, and made a comfortable home. Mrs. Ross was an amiable lady, of good parts, kind and hospitable, a sincere Christian, and an affectionate and dutiful wife and mother.

Mr. Henry Halse, ex-Judge of the Native Land Court, died rather suddenly at Wellington on the sth June. The immediate cause of death was heart disease. The deceased was aged 69. Intimation was received in town on the 15th June of the death of Mrs. Frank Colbeck, at Pahi. This information was received by Mr. Arthur Colbeck, son of Captain Colbeck, and brother of the bereaved husband, that Mrs. Colbeck died at eight o'clock on the previous evening. The news came with a sudden shock, for Mr. Arthur Colbeck had only loft Pahi two days previously, and Mrs. Colbeck was then in perfect health. Mrs. Colbeck, whose maiden name was Flora Macdonald, arrived in Auckland from the West Indies four or five months ago, to be married to Mr. Frank Colbeck, to whom she had become engaged in Jamaica. They were married in Auckland, and proceeded to Captain Colbeck's farm at Pahi, where thoy have resided ever since. Mr. Arthur Colbeck left for Helensville on June 15, and Captain H. F. Anderson made arrangements for one of the Northern river steamers to take him on from Helensville at seven o'clock that night. Mrs. Harper, wife of the Primate of New Zealand, died at Christchurch on the 10th June. She had been in failing health for nearly two years, and had lately been subject to attacks in which she lay for hours unconscious, so that the end was by no means unexpected. Her doath took place quietly and peacefully about twelve p.m. on the 10th June, and somewhat suddenly after all. The deceased lady was in her 83rd year. She was the daughter of Mr. Charles Woolidge, solicitor, of Winchester, and was married on December 12, 1829, the golden wedding being celebrated on the same date in 1879. More than thirty years of Mrs. Harper's life had been passed in Canterbury, as she arrived with the Bishop and her family in December, 1856.

An old identity has passed away in the person of Mr. Frederick Wm. Cooke, who for many years was employed at the Herald office as a compositor. The deceased, who was a native of Nottingham, and said to have been well connected, was a well - read man, and of considerable ability; but his career latterly was unfortunate, and after many vicissitudes he ended his days in the Lower Refuge, succumbing to a complication of diseases— consumption, heart disease, and asthma.