DEATHS AT WANGANUI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9341, 26 October 1893, Page 5

DEATHS AT WANGANUI.

It is my painful duty to record a death which, in its suddenness, quite startled the residents of the Wanganui district. On Sunday evening news was brought into town that Mr. Sam Powell, the well - known sportsman, had been suddenly cut off, tho cause being heart disease. The news came with all the more surprise seeing that ho was at his post as starter at the Wanganui Spring Meeting on the Thursday and Friday, and appeared in perfect health, and no one dreamed, as the burst of applause went forth at the wall-like start he gave to thirteen horses in tho Hack Race, that he should in so few hours afterwards have passed the post himself, and finished with a record that would bear the searchlight of the closest scrutiny. Ho appeared in good health in the morning ; and, always fond of the saddle, rode some miles up the river to see an acquaintance on business. On reaching his destination, however, he folt unwell, and had to be driven home. Mrs. Powell, seeing that something was wrong, at once summoned medical aid, but, before it arrived, her husband was no more. The genial »face of "Sam" Powell—his frank easy manner, would never permit his assuming the more austere name—will be missed by every true colonial sportsman ; and his sorrowing wife and family have the consolation—if there is anything in suchof knowing that their grief is shared by a host of friends. Every sportsman who remembers " Sara's" cheery demeanour and affable disposition will feel a pang at his demise. The funeral, which took place today (Tuesday), was very large and representative, people from all parts attending to pay their last tribute. The St. Andrew Kilwinning Lodge of Oddfellows, of which Mr. Powell was a brother, assembled in force, and joined tho cortege. Another old colonist in the person of Mrs. Christian McDonald McGregor, of Cherry Bank, passed away on Saturday night, after a protracted though vacillating illness at the age of 46. The deceased lady was always noted for her kindly nature and energetic disposition, and always showed an active interest in anything pertaining to the interests of those with whom she came into contract. She leaves a husband and family of several children to mourn their loss. The funeral to-day (Tuesday) was largely attended.—[Own Correspondent.]