DEATH OF MR J. P. E. FRANCIS, M.A.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8534, 7 April 1891, Page 5

DEATH OF MR J. P. E. FRANCIS, M.A.

It is with deep regret that wo have to record the death of Mr. J. P. V. Francis, one of the assistant masters of the Auckland College and Grammar School. Air. Francis had been confined to his bed for some six or seven weeks past, suffering from an affection of the heart, and had been sinking gradually, until towards the end of last week his condition became most precarious, and on Sunday tho Rev. W. Calder asked the prayers of the congregatioh of All Saints' on his behalf. The beginning of the end took place yesterday morning, and ho died about noon. Mr. Francis was a native of England, and there received the rudiments of his education. His parents then left England for the Cape, and subsequently came out to Australia while ho was still a lad, settling in Melbourne. There he attended the Church of England Grammar School, and afterwards entered upon a course of study at the Melbourne University, of which institution he subsequent!}' became a graduate. After this ho was for a tim D deputy master of the Geelong College, and from there came to New Zealand, settling first at Wellington, where he taught in the Wellington College, and then, removing to Wanganui, he occupied a position in the High School of that city. About eight years ago he was selected to till a vacancy in the staff of the Auckland College and Grammar School, and he has been connected with that institution ever since. For some time he took charge of the branch of that school which was opened in Ponsonby. It was, however, found necessary to close this branch, and Mr. Francis was taken back to th« parent school, where he continued to teach until the commencement of his sickness. Mr. Francis was a true gentleman and a thorough scholar. He was also an enthusiastic amateur photographer, being for a considerable time past the secretary of one of our local photographic clubs. Among the school boys he was a general favourite, leading them in all their games, and encouraging them in their athletic sports. He leaves a gap that will be indeed hard to fill. Mr. Francis was at the time of his death still a comparatively young man, being but 44 years of age. He leaves a widow and eight children. The funeral will leave for Purewa to-morrow afternoon, at three o'clock.