OBITUARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8931, 15 July 1892, Page 9 (Supplement)

OBITUARY.

SUDDEN DEATH OF SIR HARRY ATKINSON.

[by telegraph.—special correspondent.]

Wellington, June 28. The Hon. Sir Harry Atkinson, Speaker of the Legislative Council, and for many years Premier of the colony, died suddenly this afternoon.

When the Council met at half-past two, he took his place in the chair, and announced that during the recess three members of the. Council had died, namely, Sir Fredk. Whitaker, Mr. Fulton, and Mr. Martin. The Colonial Secretary, Sir P. A. Buckley, moved that the Council adjourn out of respect to the memory/,of the deceased members. 1

After a few words from the Hon. Mr. Oliver, the motion was agreed to, and the Council adjourned. Sir Harry Atkinson then went to his room adjoining the Chamber, and. sat down in an armchair in front of the fire, without divesting himself of his Speaker's robes. He was presently joined by Mr. Oliver, who was followed in a few minutes by Captain Morris. Mr. Oliver rose to go, but Sir Harry asked him to remain, and all three chatted for a few minutes.

Captain Morris congratulated Sir Harry on his improved looks, compared with his appearance last session. The reply that he received was pathetically prophetic. "I have got my marching orders," said Sir Harry, " I may go at any moment." Almost as he spoke he put his hand to his heart, and complained of feeling ill. He rose, and walked into a small bedroom, asking Mr. Oliver to remain for a moment. That gentleman did so and then left, but Captain Morris remained behind, and almost immediately came out, saying that Sir Harry Atkinson was ill, and wanted medical assistance.

Mr. Oliver at once went in search of Dr. Grace, who was entering his carriage, and returned with him, only in time to see Sir Harry Atkinson, who was lying ori his bed, dressed in his official robes, expire, The cause of death was heart disease, from which Sir Harry Atkinson had suffered for a long time. A profound sensation was produced in the House this afternoon by the startling and unexpected announcement of tho death of Sir Harry Atkinson.

June 30.

The funeral of Sir Harry Atkinson to-day was the most impressive ceremony ever yet witnessed in Wellington, and probably in the colony. The procession exceeded two miles in length. The attendance of ecclesiastical, legislative, and other dignitaries was quite without precedent, and there was an immense attendance of the general public in spite of the short notice. Tho prevailing sentiment of mourning and genuine regret was unmistakeable. Fifty-two carriages formed part of the procession. The services in St. Mark's Church lasted three-quarters of an hour. Owing to an announcement that the funeral would bo public many thought that the procession would take its way through the principal streets, and numbers in consequence waited at the various points, but the nearest route to the cemetery was chosen and they were disappointed. Many wreaths were piled on the coffin, which was borne on a gun carriage, preceded 'by Permanent Artillery and the Garrison Band. Among the Auckland members who attended the funeral service at , St. Mark's Church were the Hon. E. Mitchelson, Messrs. Buckland, Palmer, T. Thompson, and R. Thompson. The wreath which Sir George Grey instructed to _be placed on the coffin was a very beautiful one composed of white roses and white violets, interspersed with white camelias. Sir Harry Atkinson's life was insured in the Government Office for £2000.

A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. The Hon. Hurry Albert Atkinson, Speaker of the Legislative Council, and exPremier of the Colony, fills a large space in the political history of New Zealand. The deceased statesman was born in Cheshire in 1831, and at the time of his death was in his 61st year. His young days were only remarkable as showing him to be strongwilled, coupled with a kindly disposition. He arrived in Auckland in 1853, accompanied by his brother, the late Mr. Deciinus Atkinson, and in the following month they went on to New Plymouth, where they purchased a quantity of bush land, and set to work to make homes among those early settlers who of similar mould, were prepared to undertake the heroic work of pioneer colonisation, amidst a warlike aboriginal race. These settlers were soon put to the test by t he outbreak of the Taranaki War in 1800 over the disputed Waitara block. The settlers, who had to abandon their farms and fall back upon the township with their wives and families, were called to arms, and at the very outset Atkinson was given the command of a corps of Taranaki Volunteers, which did good service in bushranging, and which on more than one occasion showed its leader to be a man of dash and courage, and brought his name prominently before the public. Captain Atkinson wis at most of the important engagements of the campaign from Waikeka downwards. He and his corps (140 strong) being thoroughly used to bush life, did gallant service in clearing the district of the rebel natives. Ho was afterwards promoted to be major of the New Zealand militia for his distinguished services in the field, and he amply bore his share of the dangers, privations, anxieties, and losses of those troulous times, and emerged from them as one to v.hom the colony owed a deep debt of gratitude. Major Atkinson soon came to the front among his fellow colonists in public life. Shortly before the outbreak of the war he had been elected a member of the Provincial Council of Taranaki, and at the close of the Taranaki campaign he stood for Taranaki, and was elected a member of the General Assembly. On the resignation of the Whitaker-Fox Ministry, in 1864, he was solicited by the incoming Premier — Mr. Weld, who desired to inaugurate what was termed the self-reliant policy"—to accept the portfolio of Minister for Colonial Defence, which he did, holding office till towards the close of 18(55. In 1805 Mr. Weld resigned, and Major Atkinson did not seek re-election. Ho returned to his farm, where he occupied himself in the work of settlement, but in 1807 he again stood, and was elected for Ousata (Egmont). In 1868 he went home on a three years' visit, returning to his old love just in time to take advantage of Mr. Gisborne's retirement, and to beat Mr. Moorhouse in a contest for the Egmont seat, which ho lias from thence represented during his public career in the House of Representatives. On Sir Julius Voxel's accession to power in 1873 he offered Major Atkinson the portfolio of Minister for Immigration. From that period he bore a prominent place and share in the affairs of the colony. On the outgoing of the Vogel administration he became a member of the Pollen Ministry, which succeeded, being accorded the portfolio of Colonial Treasurer, which first gave him the opportunity of showing his ability as a financier, and his intimate knowledge of the public accounts. Another turn of the wheel brought Sir Julius Vogel again into power in 1876, with Major Atkinson as Minister for Immigration, and on the retirement of the former, who went Home to take the Agent-Generalship. Major Atkinson became Premier on the Ist September, 1876, again taking his favourite postthat of Colonial Treasurer. In 1877 his Ministry was reconstructed, and in October of that year, after a long innings of office in one way or another, he was defeated by Sir George Grey. On the defeat of the Grey Administration in 1879, Major Atkinson again came to the front. He was Colonial Treasurer in the Hall Ministry from 1879 till 1882, and in the Whitaker Administration, which succeeded it. In 1883 he again became Premier and Colonial Treasurer till August of 1884, when the Stout-Vogel Ministry came into power. In the same year Major Atkinson again came into office as Premier and Colonial Treasurer, but the Stout-Vogel Ministry succeeded to power again in September of 1884. After the dissolution in 1887, Major Atkinson was re-elected for Etrmont, and upon the House assembling, the Stout-Vogel Govern ment having resigned, was sent for by His

Excellency and asked to form a Ministry, which he accordingly undertook, taking his old post of Colonial Treasurer. During the session symptoms of heart disease manifested themselves, and the Hon. E. Mitchelson occupied the post of Acting Premier, and thus relieved Sir Harry •f the worry and duty of leading the House. The general elections took place on December 5 of that year, and as there was some dubiety felt as to the actual result, the Atkinson Ministry met the General Assembly in January, 1891. Sir Harry Atkinson then found that he could not carry on the administration of affairs, and he resigned (the Ballance administration succeeding) being translated to the Legislative Council, of which he became Speaker, owing to the resignation of Sir William Fitzherbert through ill health. This closed Sir Harry's public career as "a tribune 1 of the people." In the same year he went to Australia as one of the commissioners, along with Sir George Grey and Captain Russell, to represent New Zealand at the Federal Convention in Melbourne. Sir Harry returned feeling somewhat better in health, and it was hoped that with care and rest he might be spared to serve the country in his capacity as Speaker of the Legislative Council for many years to come, but fate has decreed otherwise.

Sir Harry Atkinson was connected with the Richmond family by marriage, and leaves a widow and a grown up family of sons and daughters. One of his sons is a member of the firm of Kirk and Atkinson, solicitors, Wellington, and another is engaged in agricultural pursuits.

DEATH OF A CRIMEAN VETERAN.

Francis Duffy, an old Crimean veteran, and a twenty years' resident in the vicinity of Helensville, passed away one day last week under what may be described as pitiable circumstances. This hale old soldier has led rather a hard life of late, living in a ivhare by himself at Maeretahi, near Shelly Beach, supporting himself by gumdigging. The late very inclement weather had told on him with his scanty attire in his miserable and cold dwelling, unable to light a fire through his matches being soaked with the rain, too ill to travel to seek food, the poor old fellow gradually sank and expired alone, and his emaciated condition too truly and too sadly tell the tale as to the cause of death. He was found lying dead across the door of his shanty, clad only in a shirt and one sock, by a rough but kind-hearted gumdigger named Henry McGoldrick, who had been his last earthly friend, and who has told at the inquest held before Mr. Sinclair, coroner, at Helensville on June 18, facts concerning the old man's condition. He had latterly found him sick in his bunk, and without food, and he had travelled 14 miles in order to procure some for him several times, but on one occasion was prevented through stress of weather from returning with his boat for nearly ten days. Ho had recommended the old fellow to try and gain admission to the Home, and had given him a letter to Constable O'Brien, setting forth his condition and wants, but Duffy refused to partake of public charity, and the wellmeant letter was afterwards found amongst his belongings by the constable. Four days before being found dead he had sought McGoldrick in the latter's whare, situate one mile from his own. The visit was made during the night, long before daylight, and during a heavy thunder storm and downpour of rairr: In reply to enquiries, he said he had been " marched there by old Tom." His mind was wandering. Refreshments were given him, and he returned home. McGoldrick saw him once again only before death. There was no doctor present in Helensville to give medical evidence, but the jury, of whom Mr. E. Hadriil was chosen foreman, were satisfied on examination that there was no suspicion whatever of foul play, and a verdict was recorded to the effect that deceased had died a natural death, accelerated by the want of proper and common necessities of life. Frank Duffy, —such is the irony of fate — was awarded a pauper's funeral, and interred in the Helensville cemetery. He joined the British army at the age of eighteen years, and made one of the famous " thin red line topped with steel," consisting of the gallant 93rd Highlanders who, under General Sir Colin Campbell, resisted the Russian horsemen of 1500 strong in the famous battle of Balaklava an act that the historian of the Crimean war describes as one of remarkable pluck and bravery for a regiment of British infantry in line successfully repulsing a charge of cavalry. Although a soldier of a Highland regiment, Duffy was a native of the North of Ireland. He is not known to have any relatives living. He has in former days shown people his war medals, but none were found amongst his belongings. Two medals he possessed were for service in the Crimea and in the Indian Mutiny. The other medal was for service in the 65th Regiment in the war at Taranaki, New Zealand.

One of our oldest identities died on the 17th June at her residence, Montego Villa, Parnell, in the person of Mrs. James C'oates, relict of the late Mr. James Coates, one of the first Government officials in Auckland. The deceased lady, who had enjoyed excellent health all through life, had only within the last twelvemonths shown signs of that debility which might be expected at her advanced age, having been born on the same date as the Queen. She came out in the ship Chalydra, in 1841, to be married to Mr. Coates, the vessel touching en route at Sydney and Hobart, before arrival at Auckland. The marriage took place on the 24th of June, 1841, at eiedib o'clock.in the evening, in the drawing-room of Government House, (Mr. Coates being acting Private Secretary) by the Rev. J. F. Churton, Colonial Chaplain, the witnesses being Mr. George Cooper and Mr. Francis Fisher, both Government officials, and the bride being given away by His Excellency the Governor. This was the second marriage in Auckland—the first having been celebrated on the 21st of June, three days previously, and appears on the marriage register of old St. Paul's Church. The funeral took place on Juno 18 at St. Stephen's Cemetery. The chief mourners- were the two sons of deceased, the two daughters, her five grandchildren, and Miss Priaulx, her adopted daughter. The Rev. C. M. .Nelson (son-in-law of deceased) conducted the burial service. With the decease of Mrs. Coates nearly the last of the old identities of St. Paul's Church have passed away.

An old Crimean officer died on June 24, namely, Captain H. E. Handley, at his residence, North Shore. About a week or ten days previous he had a paralytic seizure, and never rallied from the attack. He entered the army at an early age, and served with Scots Greys in the Crimean War, and took part in the charge of the Heavy Cavalry under General Scarlett, at Balaclava. On leaving the Imperial service, he came out bo New Zealand, and served as field-adjutant in Colonel Herrick's expedition to aikare, Moana, and Lake Taupo in 1869. Deceased was well connected in England, and at one time in very good circumstances there, being son of Mr. Handley, of Culverthorpe Hall, near Grantham, of the firm of Philip Handley, Peacocke, and Handley, carrying on banking in Seaford, Grantham, and Newark. He took a great interest in racing matters on the English turf, and also in Auckland. Deceased leaves a wife and family.

The death of Mr. Albert Evelyn Dewes, barrister and solicitor, which occurred at his residence, Claybrook Road, Parnell, on Tuesday, July 5, caused a very painful sensation, not only amongst the legal profession, but amongst the many other bodies with which deceased has been associated. In his profession he was painstaking, careful, and accurate, and gained the esteem and confidence of _ his principal, as well as of the clients with whom he was brought into contact. It was not, however, in the legal profession only that Mr. Dewes was well known and esteemed, but? also in religious and social circles. Mr. Dewes was married to Miss Kissling, niece of Mr. G. S. Kiasling, formerly manager of the Bank of New Zealand, and had a family of four children, all girls. One of the nuns of the Order of St. Joseph, of the Surrey Hills Convent, Sister Anselm, died on June 29. The deceased lady, who was 37 years of age, was in the twenty-first y«ar o, her religious profession,

The announcement of the death of Mr. Henry Dale, the newly-appointed manager of the W aihi Gold Mining Company's mine and plant, came with a shock to those who knew the gentleman and were acquainted with his gonial and courteous manner. Mr. Dale was a comparatively young man, but he had a large experience in mininc affairs. Prior to his arrival in New Zealand, he had been in charge of the St. John Delt-Roy mine in the Brazils, and he also had a good deal of experience in South Africa. He was an early shareholder in the Waihi Company, and was engaged by the London directorate about November last to take total charge of their mine and plant. During the short term he has been in charge of the Waihi Company's mine, Mr. Dale has developed its resources largely, and has produced returns far superior to previous results. Mr. Dale had intended to have identified himself with the district to which he had been removed. A handsome residence had been erected to his order on a fine site, and his wife was fcq have joined him shortly. The cause of death was a conglomeration of bronchitis, congestion of the liver, and gastritis, etc. Mr. Dale's remains were buried on the 28th June at Paeroa. There was a tremendous concourse of people. Inspector Wilson represented the Mines' Department. The Rev. Mr. Katterns conducted the service.

The announcement is made in our obi'.iuary columns of the demise, at the advanced age of 92, of an exceedingly old and respected colonist, namely, Mrs. Anderson, of the Beach Road, Thames, mother of Mr. Peter Anderson, undermanager of the Waiotahi Company's battery. The life of Mrs. Anderson has been a very varied one. Along with her husband, Mrs. Anderson arrived in Australia in 1829, being amongst the first batch of emigrants to arrive in Western Australia at what was then known as the Swan river settlement, afterwards going to Hobart and Sydney. In 1835 they came over to New Zealand, landing at Hokianga, from whence they travelled overland to the Bay of Islands. While on this journey the Maoris, who were assisting them in the removal of their luggage, turned on them and robbed them. They were present at the proclaiming of the Queen's sovereignty in 1840 by Governor Hobson, but during the troublous times which followed, the Heke war, etc., they were residing in Auckland. Shortly after they settled at Whangarei, but being burned out there by the Maoris, they again went to reside at the Bay of Islands, and afterwards at both Tauranga and Auckland. In 1866 the whole family went te reside at Coromandel, the sons engaged as shipwrights. In 1861, however, consequent on the war with the Maoris, all Europeans were ordered to leave Coromandel, and they again returned to Auckland to reside. It was while on a journey to Coromandel in 1862 Mr. Anderson lost his life, being drowned. At the opening of the Thames goldfield they were amongst its pioneers, and have resided there from that time. Mrs. Anderson was the mother of 12 children, of these six are now living, viz., two sons and four daughters, while the grandchildren and great-grandchildren are fairly numerous.

There died at the Costley Home oil June 27 Mr. Charles Gordon Browne, who has been undergoing a living death for months past. His complaint was cancer in the face. To the last he bore his sufferings with great patience and fortitude. He had been a noted athlete, but through the ravages of the disease he had wasted away to a shadow of his former self. The cancer had eaten through both his jaws, and death gave him a merciful release. Mr. Browne will bo well remembered on the Thames, having been a lieutenant in the Thames Navals.

Another old colonist in the person of Mr. Theo. Cooper, sen., passed away on the 23rd June at nearly fourscore, after having spent nearly 30 years in Auckland. In his earlier days he was connected with various London journals. In October, 1862, he decided to emigrate to New Zealand, and was one of the Albertland special settlers, arriving in the Gertrude in 1863. He went to Port Albert and settled, but in three years returned to Auckland, where he remained ever since. Deceased was pre deceased by his wife, and leaves four sons and one daughter to mourn their loss.

Another old Auckland identity joined the great majority on the 29th June in Mr, Philip Herapath, architect, who died at his residence, Karangahape Road, at the age of 70 years. Mr. Herapath, who was a member of the Baptist denomination, and for 17 years was secretary of the Wellesleystreet Baptist Church. He leaves a widow and two sons to mourn their loss. Deceased was a native of Pilton, Barnstaple, Devon. Ho was much esteemed and respected by those who had made his acquaintance. In our obituary columns is announced the death of Mrs. Mary Campbell, mother of Messrs. Hugh and J. P. Campbell, solicitors, of this city, at the advanced age of 84. The deceased lady was highly respected by a wide circle of acquaintances. The interment was private. We regret to record the death of Mr. S. Firth, son of Mr. J. C. Firth, who died from inflammation of the brain on Monday morning, July 4, at his father's residence, Mount Eden. Mr. Firth was a widower, his wife having predeceased him about two years ago. He was widely known and respected in Auckland, where he had spent his boyhood. Our Tuakau correspondent, writing on the 22nd June, states"A fine young woman, daughter of Mr. Bovill, succumbed at six o'clock this morning (June 22), to an attack of throat disease. It is only seven weeks ago since the eldest daughter was struck down with the same complaint. Universal sympathy is expressed to Mr. and Mrs. Bovill and family for this great affliction which has befallen them.

A Huia correspondent writes-.—"l have to record the death of William Bradford, aged 70 years, one of the first residents at Huia. The deceased was an American, supposed to be a native of Florida, who came hereon H.M.S. Cossack about 30 years ago, and has remained in the district ever since. The esteem in which he was held is shown by the fact that every resident followed his remains to their last resting place. Mr. Lichtensteen, Jewish Rabbi at Dunedin, died on June 19, of consumption of the throat. His second son, formerly a resident of Wellington, died on June 20 of the same disease.

An old resident, William Black, who has been for some years road overseer of the Napier corporation, died on June 28 after a long illness. He was aged forty-three years. On June 19 a respectable woman named Elizabeth Harvey died of exhaustion produced by want, at the cottage of a poor woman named Mrs. Anderson, Christcburch, who toiok her in. She was in bad health and unable to do much work for 12 months, but she would not seek charitable aid until lately, when she started to go to the office, but was unable to get there. Mrs. Anderson communicated with the authorities on June 17, and called in Dr. Moorehouse, who attended the woman till she died, and certified that death resulted from exhaustion combined with lung disorders and bron. traveller for Sargood's and the oldest on the road, Mr. Alexander, died on July 10 at Dunedin. He was 51 years of age. An old and respected settler in the Wairarapa district, Mr. Samuel Yennell, died on June 30, aged 77 years. The Rev. J. W. Hope, M.A., Presbyterian minister at Lower Hutt, died on June 29. He has been in delicate health for some time.

A man named Thomas Turton, formerly well known as the keeper of an inn at the Ferry, near the site of the present Ashburton bridge, died suddenly on June 2S, aged 56 years. He was a native of Staffordshire, and one of three brothers who came to Ashburton about 1852, and have been in the district ever since.

An old man. named James Pickering, tailor, single, aged 70, died suddenly at Wellington during the night of June 27. He had suffered from influenza, from which he had never completely recovered. He was found dead in his bed in the morning. It will be learned with regret that the son of Mr. James, of Ngaruawahia, died at 6 a.m. on June 23. The young man had been for some weeks in the hospital at Hamilton, suffering from consumption. The remains were brought down to Ngaruawahia for intermeno on June 25. ✓

It will be seen by our obituary columns that Mr. A. H. D. Hay, second son of Mr. Henry Hay, Eden Terrace, has died through injuries sustained while playing football, xHe was only 20 years of age, and died at his parent's residence on July 6. A lad named Barber, aged about 18 years, was brought down to Hamilton on Wednesday, the 6th July, from Morrinsville, suffering from bronchitis and paralysis. On arriving at the Hamilton railway station ho walked with assistance out of the station yard, but died in the coach on the road to the hospital. ; Mrs. Sid well, wife of Mr. F. Sid well, sen;, of Dairy Flat, died at) her residence on Monday, the 29th Juno, after a long illness, at the advanced ago of 81. The folShe has left, besides her husband, a family of three sons and two daughters, together with numerous grand and great-grandchild-ren to mourn their loss. _ Mrs. McCrory, a very old resident, of Otahuhu, passed away rather suddenly on June '23. The funeral on Sunday, June 26th, was the largest that has been seen in Otahuhu for a long time past. Many came from long distances to pay the last tribute of respect to the deceased lady. Another of the pioneer settlers of the Wade district, Mr. John Blake, passed away at the advanced age of 74 years, on Wie Sell instant. The funeral took place it the Wainui cemetery on Sunday, the lOth, when, despite the very bad weather, a good number were present to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased gentleman. An old colonist, and one of the early settlers at Mauku (Mrs. Mellsop, widow of the late Mr. John Mellsop), passed away at the residence of her son, Mr. J. T. Meilsop, Waiuku, with whom she had been residing for the last 13 years. She was in the S9th year of her age. An old colonist, Mr. W. H. Sims, aged 53 years, German Consul for Canterbury, died on July 7 of pleurisy, following on influenza. He was at one time a runholder in South Canterbury. He represented Timaru in the Provincial Council. He was many year? in business in Christchurch, and took a prominent interest in musical matters there. It will be observed that in our obituary is recorded the death of Mrs. Alexander, mother of the late Mr. J. M. Alexander, solicitor. The deceased lady has been for many years a resident in Auckland, and was much respected. The Rev. P. Calder, who was for 34 years pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Nelson, is dead. The foreman printer of the Otago Daily Times, Mr. George R. Smith, died on the 12th July at Dunedin, of Bright'? disease. Mr. J. A. Nicholls, the much respected postmaster of Paeroa, died at half-past.nine a.m. on June 23 of consumption.