DEATH OF MR. W. R. WILLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10127, 9 May 1896, Page 5

DEATH OF MR. W. R. WILLS.

It is with muoh regreb we hare to announce the edmewhab sudden death of Mr. W. R. Wills, aged 69, a well-known and respected resident of Otahuhu. Mr. Willi's health has been gradually failing for some time past, bub until the last day or two he was well enough to attend to his duties, Dr. Rowley was sent for oh Thursday, and so serious did he consider Mr. Willi's condition thab he directed that unless the means used by him gave relief, Mr. Wills should be removed to the Hospital on Friday morning; bub during Thursday night he gradually sank, and died about six o'clock on Friday morning. Mr. Wills was a man who bad made his mark in the literary world. His books of poems, "A Bunch of Wild Pansies," " God's Splendid Son," and other songs and ballads show much genius and poetical power. In the Musical Text books just adopted by the Auckland Education Board for the public schools, Mr. Innes lias set to music many of Mr. Wills' patriotic songs. For some years Mr. Wills as been the correspondent and literary representative of the Auckland Star in Onehunga, Otahuhu, and surrounding districts. He was an ardent politician, and a supporter of a Liberal and Democratic form of Government. Much sympathy is felt for his widow and family. The funeral will take place in the Anglican Cemetery, Otahuhu, on Sunday afternoon. —[Own Correspondent,]