DEATH OF MR. PEARSON, M.H.R.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9097, 4 July 1888, Page 5

DEATH OF MR. PEARSON, M.H.R.

; [ky telegraph.—press ASSOCIATION.] Christciiurch, Tuesday. Mr. W. F. Pearson, member for Ashley, died about half-past three a.m. to-day. He seemed improving until this morning, when he became worse and sank rapidly.

[by telegraph.—special correspondent.]

Wellington, Tuesday. The House adjourned this afternoon till the evening out of respect to the memory of the late Mr. Pearson, who was one of the youngest members of the House. A few kindly words were said by the Premier with regard to the deceased, who as whip of his party had been for years past brought into intimate relations with him. Mr. Mills, as the leader of the Young New Zealand party, also paid a tribute to one who was of their number. It seems that an extraordinary fatality has befallen the family, four-fifths of them 'having died ere attaining middle life, leaving the aged parents to mourn their loss. No one ever dreamt when he left th 3 House a week or two ago in health and strength to re-visit his home, that they would see his face no more, as his chances of life seemed as good as those of any member. The following biographical particulars will be of interest :—William Fisher Pearson was the first native-born Parliamentary representative for the South Island, and was born in Christohurch on the 29th of May, 1554. He entered the Bank of New Zealand under the late Mr. Coster, but after three years' _ service, by which time he was filling the Appointment of teller to the Lyttelton "branch of that institution, he resigned In order to join his present partner in the joint-proprietorship and management of a sheep run. Once again, however, lie took to an office life, this time in the New Zealand Shipping Company's office in London, where he remained until Mr. Coster, who was then managing director, returned to this colony, when he speedily followed him. Subsequently he accepted the management of the Raglan estate for Messrs. Studholme and Russell for three years. He then returned to Canterbury, where he has since been engaged in farming pursuits. In 1881 he was elected to tho General Assembly for Ashley, by a large majority, and he has continued to represent that constituency *ip to the present time. The Hon. W. Rolleston is at present here, and it is possible he may stand for the vacant seat.