OBITUARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11734, 16 August 1901, Page 2 (Supplement)

OBITUARY.

DEATH OF SIR JOHN McKENZIE. Dunedin-, August 6. Sib John* McKe.n-zie, late Minister for Lands, died at half-past seven to-night. Wellington", August 6. The announcement of the death of the Hon. John MeKenzie was made in the House shortly before nine o'clock to-night while I Mr. Willis was speaking on the Rating on j Unimproved Values Bill. The Premier received a telegram to the effect that his old friend and colleague had passed away. Mr. Seddon was evidently much agitated. As soon as Mr. Willis resumed his seat Mr. Symes rose to speak, but the Premier waved him down, and turning to Mr. Hall-Jones, he said, Move the adjournment of the debate." Mr. Hall-Jones rose and moved accordingly, but Mr. Meredith and one or two others, who did not know the reason, cried out a stentorian "No." They were, however, quickly apprised of the fact that I something of an unusual nature had oc- j curred. When quietness had been obtained j the Premier made his announcement. There i was an impressive silence for a few moments, ' and then the House adjourned. To-morrow, ! at half-past two .members will meet again, and reference will be made to the life and the death of Sir J. McKenzie. Mr. I Seddon will move a motion of condolence! The House, as a 'tribute to his memory, and in order to enable members to attend his funeral, will then adjourn probably till next week. Quite a number of members are likely to proceed South to-morrow, and special steamer and train accommodation may be arranged. . Si.- John McKenzie had much experience of colonial life. As his name implies, he was a native of Scotland, and was born on the estate of Ardross, Eosshire, in 1833. After leaving school ho worked for some time on his father's farm, thus gaining large experience in agricultural and pastoral pursuits. When quite a young man, however, he determined to leave Scotland, and to seek bis fortune in another country. New Zealand was choseu as the scene of action, whither he sailed in 1860. On arrival in Otago he followed the same life as that to which he had been accustomed in Scotland, and found employment on Puketapu Station, near Palmerston South. Here he put such industry and ability into his work that he soon rose to tho position of manager of the station. Dissatisfied, however, of working for an employer, ho determined to begin farming on his own account. With this end in view, ho took up a section in Shag Valley, where he settled down to the life of a farmer. But as the quiet pursuits of the country did not give scope to his energies, he resolved to enter public life. Tho position he first filled, that of clerk and treasurer to tho Bushey Road Board, was humble, but it was good training for the discharge of higher functions. About the same time he became secretary to the local school committee. In 1868 he contested with Mr. George McLean the seat for Waikouoiti, in the Provincial Council. Although unsuccessful at this election, the labour was not lost, for he was thus brought prominently before the people as an aspirant to publio honours. In 1871 ho was elected a member of the Provincial Council position lie held until the abolition of the provinces in 1876. About the same time he was appointed a justice of the peace. Some years lator ho was elected a member of the "Waikouaiti County Council, and was appointed property tax assessor for the same district. In 1882 he was successful in getting the Waihemo County created, and was elected first chairman of the new Council. In 1881 he was elected a member of the House of Representatives for the first time, and two years later he secured a seat on the Otago Education Board, which posiion lie held for nine years. Sir John McKenzie occupied for many years a seat on the Otago Land Board. The first constituency represented by him was Moeraki, but he sat for several electorates since then. His first appointment in the House was that of Whip in the Stout-Vogel Government of 1884-87. Retiring by nature, ho did not como prominently before the public until after the general election of 1890, when Mr. Ballance offered him the portfolios in his j Cabinet. Since Sir John McKenzie's term of \ office much advanced land legislation has passed through the House. A few years ago his health began to fail, and he took a trip to England, in the hope of restoring his health. He underwent an operation, and it was for a time thought that he would make a complete recovery. However, on returning to the colony it was found that his health did not improve, and ho was compelled to resign his position a3 Minister for Lands towards the end of 1899. During the recent visit of the Duke of Cornwall he was made a Knight Commander of St. Michael and St. George in recognition of his long services to the colony. THE FUNERAL. Dunedin, August 9. The closing scene in the career of Sir John MeKenzie was enacted at Palmerston South to-day, when his mortal remains were conveyed to their last resting-place amidst the sorrowings of his many friends and his former constituents. The Premier, the Hon. C. H. Mills, and several members of the Legislature arrived by the Hinemoa at Oamaru early in the morning, and took a special train for Palmerston South. En route a short stop was made at Shag Point station while the party went to Heathfield, the residence of the McKenzie family, to take a last look at their old colleague and comrade. The massive frame had shrunken almost to a shadow, and the face showed abundant traces of the severity of his last illness. The Premier and the Hon. T. Duncan stayed with the family, and the remainder of the party went on to Palmerston, where they were joined by a number of legislators and other prominent public men from Christchurch, Dunedin, and other centres. The Dunedin and Southland pipe bands also came up by the southern express, and the large party left Palmerston at one o'clock for Heathfield to take part in the final ceremony. Before the body was removed from the house a short Presbyterian service was conducted by the Rev. Jas. Clark, of Palmerston. and the Rev. Niccol, of Hampden. The coffin was then borne from the house to the hearse on the shoulders of six Ministers, namely, Messrs. Seddon, Hall-Jones, Walker, Duncan, Carroll, and Mills. THE PROCESSION. The procession, having been marshalled by Mr. J. F. M. Fraser, of Dunedin, and three neighbours of the deceased, moved off shortly before two o'clock, in the following order:—Southland Pipe Band, chieftains of the New Zealand Gaelic Society, Dunedin Pipe Band, hearse, a carriage containing a number of the wreaths laid on a MeKenzie tartan plaid, carriages containing the chief mourners, viz., Messrs. John M. and Duncan A. McKenzie (sons), M. P. Cameron, E. Atkinson (sons-in-law), Donald McKenzie, ■ Professor MeKenzie, and Finlay McKenzie (brothers), D. Mcßae, Henry Urquhart, and Alex. Munroe (brothers-in-law). Then came a carriage containing the Hon. C. Hill Trevor (representing the Governor), and carriages occupied by Ministers, members of the Legislature, private secretaries of Ministers, press representatives, Civil servants members of public bodies in the district and the general public. ' The Dunedin Pipe Band mustered 14 strong, being headed by Pipe-Majors McKechme and Gray. The Southland Pipe Band numbered 13, and were in charge of Lieutenant Cameron and Drum-Major McGregor. The pipes and drums were draped in black, and each man wore a sprit/ of heather in his bonnet. The laments played during the march were " Lochaber, No More : ' "Flowers of the Forest," and " Scots Wha Hae, ' by the Dunedin Band ; and " The Mackintosh Lament," " Lochaber, No More " and "Land of the Leal," by the Southland •band. Most of the public bodies in the southern part of the island were represented at the juneral, including the Waihemo and Waitaki County Councils. Otago Land Board, and Education Board. The Mayors of Dunedin Oamaru, Palmerston, and 'Hampden were also present. The members of the Gaelic Society of New Zealand mustered in strong force, headed by Chieftains McPherson and McKenzie. The late Sir John MeKenzie was chief of the society, and, following the example adopted in the case of the late Rev. Dr. Stuart, the society will not elect a successor to the dead chieftain until the next annual meeting. There was a large attendance of Civil servants from Dunedin the Departmental offices having been closed to-day on account of the funeral. ] , i ie Lands Department was represented by Mr Barron, the Agricultural Department by Mr! Ritchie, and the Veterinary Department by Mr. Gilruth. Many of the wreaths were of beautiful design, and it was noticeable that on the majority of them the McKenzie tartan was appropriately displayed. The coffin was surrounded by beautiful wreaths, these tokens of love and sympathy having been sent by His Excellency the Governor, Lady Ranfurly, the Ministry, the Speaker and members of the House of Re.

nresentatives, the Speaker and members of the Legislative Council, Sir. and Mrs. Sed- j don and family, Sir Joseph and Lady Ward,', the Hon. W. P. Reeves (Agent-General), the j officers of Parliament, private secretaries to the Ministers, Hansard staff, press gallery, the Hon. Thos. Thompson, Mr. Justice Wil- I liams, the Lands Department, officers of the Lands and Survey Department, Dun- j edin, Auckland, Wellington, and Otago Land j Boards, Valuation and Advances to Settlers Departments, Cheviot Settlers' Association, J Gaelic Society of Dunedin (inscribed, "Le mor mhulud," meaning "With deep sorrow"), and many others from private friends and local bodies in the district. The cortege moved off at a slow pace to a lament played by the pipe band, who kept up the strains for over a mile, when Highlanders were accommodated with seats on two drags, but still retained their position at the head of the procession, which then strode on at a smarter pace. The distance the cortege had to travel from Heathfield to Palmerston cemetery, about seven miles, made it impossible for the pipe bands to play their laments the whole of the way. As the procession passed Shag Point Village the whole of the residents were congregated on the hillside, prominent among them being a large body of miners, from the adjacent coal mine, who had assembled to pay their last respects to their old friend. The procession gained considerably in length as it went on, as almost every farmhouse on the way contributed its quota of vehicles or horsemen. About two miles from Palmerston it was joined by a large number of Palmerston residents, who fell in on foot at the rear of the Ministerial carriages. Passing through the township, the cortege was about a mile in length, and comprised some 75 vehicles, 50 horsemen, and 600 on foot. It took fifteen minutes to pass a given point, being the largest funeral ever seen in the district. Everywhere along the route through the township were signs of mourning, flags being half-mast, all business premises closed, and blinds down in private residences. • ' AT THE CEMETERY. The cemetery, -which is situated a mile outside the township, was reached shortly before five o'clock, and the last sad ceremony took place as the shades of evening ere falling. The pipers, playing " Mackintosh's Lament," preceded the hearse to the graveside and continued the lament .until the coffin, again borne by the six Ministers, with Mr. Seddon and Mr. Hall-Jones at the head, was laid on top of the grave. The Rev. J. Clark then conducted the burial service, and the Rev. Niccol offered prayer, in which he alluded to the noble qualities and great public services of the departed statesman. The coffin was then lowered into the grave by the two sons, and darkness set in as the relatives and mourners left the old chieftain to his last long sleep. The scene at the grave-side was most impressive, and will long live as a sad recollection in the memories of those who were present. PROPOSED MEMORIAL. The Hon. Lee Smith has suggested as a fitting memorial to the deceased the erection of a cairn on the top of Puketapu Hill, on which Sir John MeKenzie first did duty as a shepherd. The idea, which has been generally approved, will immediately take shape. Mr. Lee Smith lias headed the list with 25 guineas, and other substantial subscriptions are promised, all the Ministers assisting. MESSAGES OP CONDOLENCE. The family has received hundreds of telegrams and letters of condolence from all parts of the colony.. Mr. Hogg, the member for Masterton, received the following telegram from the Scandinavian settlers : —"Greatly regret our ' Ohlthater's' demise. Express our heartfelt sympathy with the family and the colony in their loss. On behalf of Stirling and Kakariki settlers." Nat-ier, August 7. The Borough Council adjourned to-night out of respect to the memory of Sir John McKenzie, ex-Minister for Lands; Thames, August 7. At the. meeting of the Thames County Council last night the Chairman (Mr. Corbett) referred to the loss the colony had sustained through the death of the late Sir John McKenzie, and moved that a letter of condolence be forwarded to Lady McKenzie. The motion was seconded by Mr. Deeble, and was carried unanimously.

The Mayor (Mr. A. Kidd) sent a telegram on August 7 to Lady McKenzie, expressing on behalf of himself and the citizens of Auckland sincere sympathy in connection with the death of Sir John McKenzie. At a meeting of Cheviot settlers on Saturday, it was resolved to collect subscriptions towards providing a memorial to the late Sir John McKenzie. MESSAGE FROM THE DUKE OF CORNWALL. Wellington, Thursday. The Governor has received the following cablegram from the Duke of Cornwall: — " Grieved to hear of the death of Sir John McKenzie. Please express my sympathy to Lady McKenzie and family.—(Signed) George." In the House of Representatives on August 7, Mr. Seddon moved, "That this House desires to place on record its high sense of the faithful and distinguished services rendered to New Zealand by the late Sir John McKenzie, K.C.M.G., and of the serious loss the colony has sustained by his death, and respectfully tenders to Lady McKenzie and her family the assurance of its sincere sympathy with them in their sad bereavement." In doing so Mr. Seddon said he was sure members would sympathise with him on this occasion, as he recognised he would not be able to do full justice to the great services of his late esteemed comrade. They had been friends as members of the Liberal party, and subsequently as colleagues in the Ministry. The ties of friendship were further strengthened until they became so strong that nothing but death could sever them. He proceeded to place on record the many services Sir J. McKenzie had rendered to the country, and said the younger generation in this colony might well take them to heart and endeavour to emulate his career. In sketching Sir J. McKenzie's public career, Mr. Seddon referred to the good work he had done on the old Provincial Council, and his anxiety to put the people on the land. He had served the Liberal Party well and faithfully, and his early training* well fitted him to occupy a position as Minister of the Crown. His name would always be associated with a large number of important measures that had been placed on the Statute Look, prominent among them being the Lands Consolidation Act, 1892, Dairy Industry Act, 1892, Cheviot Acquisition Act, 1893, and Laud for Settlements Act, 1894. He did noble work for the dairy industry, and his name would ever be connected with the Cheviot settlement. The policy he had always pursued of placing people on the land was now generally and universally endorsed, and fortunately he had lived to see and know the success and fruits of his labours. With respect to his land legislation he (Mr. Seddon) felt that they never could do full justice to his memory. The amount of vigour he had put into his work had undoubtedly shortened his days, but he (Mr. Seddon) was convinced they would still pursue the policy his old colleague h«d carried on at the sacrifice of his health. The honesty and sincerity of their late comrade could not be questioned. Ho had been upright in all his dealings, public and private, and even those who differed from him politically respected him privately. In conclusion he said there were thousands now, and there would be thousands to come, who would bless the name of John McKenzie. Captain Russell seconded the motion and said that though, many of them were antagonistic to Sir J. McKenzie in political life, there were none who were opposed to him hi his personal or private life. By the death of Sir J.- McKenzie, a. great personality had passed from life into history. His uncompromising adherence to his convictions was worthy the admiration of all, and even those who thought his views wero narrow, admitted his heart was straight. After what he had seen in the land of his birth one could well understand the life of Sir John McKenzie being spent in trying to ameliorate the conditions of his fellowmen in his adopted country. Captain Russell referred to the great fortitude of Sir John McKenzie during his illness, and said that with patience and submission that impatient and unsubmissive man had borne all his sufferings bravely, an object lesson to men of smaller souls. - Mr. Duncan said his friendship with Sir John McKenzie had extended over twenty years, and he was more intimately ac- ; cjuainted with the man than any of his col-

leagues in the Ministry.: Had he been a less j strong man, or a waverer, there would have I been very little progress made with his land legislation, and it was his indomitable will and earnestness that won him victory. He always had the welfare of the mass of the people at heart, and he had often told him (Mr. Duncan) that after his experience in the old land, it was his desire to see the land of New Zealand in the hands of the people, and he hoped that he (Mr. Duncan) would pursue the same policy. He greatly deplored the loss the colony had sustained in the death of his old comrade. Mr. Thos. Mackenzie testified to the grief of the Waihemo electorate at the loss of its old and esteemed member. Messrs. Steward, Gilfedder, Meredith, Witheford, and Jas. Allen also spoke of the good work and good qualities of the dead statesman. , The motion was put and carried unanimously in silence, and the House at twenty minutes to four adjourned till half-past two on Tuesday. DEATH OF MR. AVERY MACLEAN. Another link in the chain connecting the early settlement of the Auckland province with the present day has been severed by the death of Mr. Every Maclean, one of the pioneers of the pastoral industry in New Zealand. Mr. Maclean was widely known and much respected all over the Auckland province, and his death, although at the advanced age of 83, will cause widespread regret. Born in Cornwall, Mr. Maclean came to New Zealand in the fifties. He had intended to settle in the South, but the wind and the waves intervened, and his ship somehow landed her passengers in Auckland, and there Mr. Maclean has spent a long and active life. In partnership- with his brother Robert, deceased took up a considerable area of land at Pakuranga, and has . ever since been tine of the best known and most successful stock breeders in the Auckland province. He imported to New Zealand a large number of valuable thoroughbred and Clydesdale horses, and pedigree cattle and sheep, and throughout his lifetime his stock have been famed throughout the colony, particularly his horses and Shorthorns and Hereford cattle, and Southdown and Leicester sheep. During the Maori troubles Mr. Maclean raised a corps in 1860, known as the Howick Cavalry Volunteers, of which he was captain. Later on he took an active interest in the Auckland Provincial Government, and was for some years a member of the Auckland Provincial Council, and for a time acting-superintendent. Some 25 years ago he was elected a member of the Legislative Council, but he soon found that attendance in Wellington during the sessions of Parliament claimed too much of his time, and as he was at the time actively interested in large farming operations in the Waikato, he resigned his seat. In the early years of his residence in the colony Mr. Maclean, with his brother, lived at "Bleak House," but subsequently, with Mr. James Williamson and Mr. Thos. Pussell, he formed a large farming enterprise in the Waikato, under the name of Maclean and Co., afterwards known as the Auckland Agricultural Company. This company had its home station at Fencourt, where Mr. Maclean lived for a time, but on the management there being taken up by Mr. James Bailey, some 10 years ago, deceased came back to Howick, where he resided till his death. An offshoot from the Auckland Agricultural Company was the New Zealand Stud and Pedigree Stock Company, in which Mr. Maclean was also largely interested. The well-known thoroughbred sire Musket was imported by the Auckland Agricultural Company during Mr. Maclean's connection with it. When in the Waikato Mr. Maclean took a great interest in the affairs of the Cambridge Farmers' Club, and during his long residence in Auckland he was always closely connected with the Auckland Provincial Agricultural Association and similar societies. Of late years he led a quiet, retired life, among the last public functions he was at being the jubilee of the arrival of the pensioners at Howick.

DEATH OF MR. G. FRASER,

We regret to announce the death of Mr, George Eraser, of the Phcenix foundry, Stanley-street, at his residence, Wynyardstreet;" which took place on July 29. Deceased was in his 70th?year. He leaves a family of six sons and three daughters. Mr. Eraser was known far and near as a kind employer and an upright commercial man, and took a kindly interest in the young men who had served in his foundry, wherever they went, and many of them are now in positions of trust in other colonies, and are a credit to their old master. Mr. Fraser, the originator of the Phcenix Foundry, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in ISAHe arrived in New Zealand in 1855 and in 1862 he started in Mechanic's Bay, and in 1864 was joined in partnership by Mr. Tinne, an engineer from Liverpool, trading under the style of Fraser and Tinne, when they erected the Phcenix foundry works. Mr. Fraser subsequently invented a machine capable of dressing flax, and his machine gave the real start to the New Zealand flax industry. In 1881 Mr. Tinne went Home, and the firm became known as Messrs. George Fraser and Sons, and last year it was formed into a limited liability company, and traded under the style of George Fraser and Sons (Limited), Mr. George Fraser retiring from the business. During the existence of the firm it has been associated with the manufacture of machinery for steamers, batteries for the goldfields, and machinery for sawmills. The salvage of the Triumph on the rocks at Tiritiri, and her repair, so that she got the same certificate at Lloyds as previous to the accident, was a triumph of engineering. It took 100 tons of plates and angle iron to repair her. In six weeks from the time the wreck was purchased she was brought into Auckland harbour. -

The funeral of the late Mr. Fraser took place on July 31. The esteem in which the deceased gentleman was held was exemplified by the large attendance of sympathising friends, there being 300 present, amongst whom were representatives from all of the local shipping companies, the mercantile community, and the various engineering works, Tho cortege, which numbered over forty carriages, with two 'buses, conveying tho employees of the firm, moved off from Wynyard-street shortly before three o'clock" for Purewa. Amongst those present were: His Worship the Mayor (Mr. Alfred Kidd), the Hon. Thos. Thompson, Messrs. Blackwood (Government Inspecting Engineer), W. J. Jobson, Gov/, Coutts, Laird (Northern S.S. Company), J. and W. Massey (Massey Bros.), Geo. and C. Seager (Seager Bros.), W. McGregor, Whitson and Spinks (W. A. Ryan and Co.), W. dagger (Ross and Ansenne), 0. Bailey, jun., Janes Mclntyre (Onehunga), T. Peacock, A. Bruce, W. Hampton, J. B. Graham, S. Hesketh, G. Price (A. and G. Price, Thames), R. Menzies (Thames). The chief mourners wore Messrs. George, Samuel, Theodore, Joseph, and John Fraser (sons), and several grandsons. At St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church on August 4 '.he Rev. H. B. Gray delivered a touching and impressive memorial sermon on tho death of Mr. George Fraser.

Mr. J. S. Kidd, manager of the Auckland Tramways Company,, died somewhat unexpectedly on Aug. 8 from congestion of the lungs. It appears that he was suffering lungs. He had beem the working managei of the tramways almost from the inception of the company, at all events for the last 15 years. Deceased who was 45 years of age, leaves a widow and seven children (one an infant) to mtfurn their loss. His people belong to, it is said, Wanganui, but Mr. Kidd was well known in Dunedin and in Otago generally, having been on stations in Otago, in the service of the Hon. R. Campbell. The funeral tock place on the 11th of August .roiii bis late residence, Epsom. It was the largest funeral which has ever taken place in the Eptom district, which speaks much for the respect and esteem in which Mr. Kidd was held. There were citizens from town, the suburbs, and surrounding district, from Tamaki, Panmure, Otalmhu, Onehunga, Papatoetoe, and from as far as Ngaxuawahia, Ohaupo, and Cambridge. Nearly all the local bodies were represented. The procession contained 200 vehicles, and was over a mile in length. The chief mourners were the three sons of deceased, Messrs. Preston Kidd (brother), F. Price (nephew), and F. W. Chadwick (brother-in-law), of Pahi, Kaipara, and P. M. Hansen, of the Electric Tramways Company. Messrs. Potter, Lysaght, Harris, Moore, Corney, Maguire, and Grant, old employees, and "heads of departments, bore the body of their late master from the house to the hearse, and also from the hearse to the grave. There were over 100 wreaths, among them beautiful wreaths from Mr. P. Hansen, on behalf of the Electric Tramways Company,

His Worship the Mayor of Auckland (Mr. Alfred Kidd), Ponsonby, Epsom, and Oneiiunca depots (employees), conductors and inspectors, Rugby Union, stewards of Auckland Trotting Club, stewards of Otahuhu Trotting Club, Polo Club, Epsom school children and committee, Mount Roskill Road Board, Auckland Agricultural Association, Great' Northern Brewery, Andrews, Sons. and Co.'s employees, Realisation Board (Wellington). In addition there was a large number of sympathising friends. In another column there is a notice of the death of an old and respected resident. Mrs. O'Neill, relict of the late Mr. •Ulan O'Neill, J.P., of Dunoneill, North Shore. Mrs. O'Neill died at her residence, Clanobov. Cleveland Road, Parnell, on August 3. Deceased was born in the year 1819, in the County Deny, Ireland, "and was the youngest daughter of Captain Henry Humphrey Bell (64th Regiment), of Belmont, County Tyrone, and Warwick Lodge, Ballymacquigan, County Deny, Ireland Mrs. O'Neill was married in 1846, and left for New Zealand in the year 1849, in the barque Pilgrim, where she remained i ever since, with the exception of one visit Home in 1888, where she remained until 1900. Mrs. O'Neill leaves three sons and four daughters to mourn her loss. Mr. Allan O'Neill, her husband, took an active part in public affairs in the early days. His brother, Mr. James O'Neill, was a member of the Provincial Council and of the Legislature. Many of our citizens heard with regret of the death on August 6 of Mr. Charles Brown Grierson, formerly manager of the Union Bank of Australia (Limited), in Auckland. He was born at Cardiff, Wales, in 1843. educated at Gloucester College, and also in Germany. He came to New Zealand in 1864, and entered the service of the Union Bank at Christchurch. Mr. Grierson was appointed manager of the bank, and discharged the duties of this important office at Timaru from 1874, at Auckland from 1882, and at Dunedin from 1887, until June, 1898, when he retired on a handsome pension. Mr. Grierson married the eldest daughter of the late Mr. F. W. Merriman, Crown Prosecutor, Auckland, and leaves a widow, two sons, and three daughters. In bis younger days, at Christchurch, Mi*. Grierson was a prominent athlete, and a warm supporter of amateur athletic sports clubs. He was ex-president of the Dunedin Cycling Club, and of the Dunedin Amateur Athletic Club. As a man he was esteemed and respected by all who knew him. A very old settler, Mr. William Kiernan Foster/aged 79 years, farmer, Karita, died at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. J. G. Morris, Tiki, on the 6th of August. A short time ago Mr. Foster got an attack of paralysis, and has been during the whole time unconscious. Mi. Foster served in the 58th Regiment, and with his regiment was in a number of engagements during the Maori war, for which he holds the New Zealand medal. After taking his discharge he took up land at Kai'ita, and was a true pioneer settler. He leaves five sons, four daughters, and 22 grandchildren to mourn his loss. One of the very oldest of the Canterbury settlers passed away on July 28 in the person of Mr. Joseph Price, who died at his residence, Price's Valley, near Birdling's Flat, at the age of 91 years. Mr. Price was in one of the early whalers which came to New Zealand, and after being on the coast several times he eventually took up his abode at Kaiapoi, where he was residing amongst the Maoris in 1831. He and several other adventurous spirits went in for whaling on their own account, and worked a small brig round the coast, making their headquarters at Ikeraki, just to the south of Akaroa Heads, where the remains of the old whaling station, with the trying-out pots, are still to be seen. He made several trips to Australian ports, where the oil was sold, and cargoes of goods were brought back, which were bartered to the Maoris. Mr. Price could tell some very exciting and blood-curdling stories of incidents which happened during his early sojourn amongst the Maoris, who at that time knew little or nothing of civilisation, and were but little better than cannibals. About 1840, Mr. Price, having previously visited Little River, and found, there an abundance of good timber, established a sawpit with a couple of hands, and the timber used to be taken round to Akaroa and the whaling stations by means of whaleboats, which loaded at the mouth of Lake Forsyth. Later on Mr. Price took up the land known as Price's Valley, and went in for farming. For many years he had to obtain his stores from Lyttelton, and in order to transport these a bullock team was brought into requisition, the road used being that over Gebbie's Valley Pass. He remained on the estate up to the rime of his death, and leaves a widow and grownup family. On August 8 the adjourned inquest on the death of Mrs. Duncan was resumed by the coroner, Mr. Gresham. .The bottle of medicine supplied by Mr. Mackay, of Neil's pharmacy, has been examined by Mr. J. A. Pond, and he found that the only ingredients of medicinal value were acetate of potash, acetate of ammonia, and camphor. The first' was slightly above the prescribed minimum dose, the second slightly below it, and the third very much below. The jury returned a verdict that death was caused by a clot of blood found in the pulmonary artery, as indicated by the post-mortem examination. The inquest concerning the death of Mrs. Duncan, which was adjourned pending the analysis of the bottle of medicine supplied to the deceased by Mr. MacKay, of Neill's Pharmacy, Wellesley-street, was resumed on Aug. 8 at the Prince of Wales' Hotel, beon the Bth of August. The jury after an hour's deliberation, returned a verdict, to the effect that death was caused by the clot of blood found in the pulmonary artery, as indicated by the post-mortem examination. They added the following rider:—"The jury regret that medicine should be supplied in cases of illness by other than duly-qualified medical practitioners." It will be seen by . our obituary column that a very old colonist has passed away m the person of Mr. E. A. Plumley, of Hoibson-street, dentist, in his 75th year j*ad been over 30 years in the colony. Mr. F. Franklin, at the time treasurer of the Wellington Racing Club, died at Wellington at the age of 66. The death is announced of Mrs. Cruickshank, the wife of Mr. J. D. Cruicksbank, a settler whose name has been a household word in the Hutt Valley for a long period of years. The deceased lady, who was 72 years of age at the time of her demise, was a great favourite with a large circle of acquaintances. ' u Mrs. William Sefton Moorhouse, widow of a former superintendent of Canterbury, died at her residence, Wellington Terrace, on August 10, at. the age of 78 years. On July 26 Mr. Ebezener Long wellknown in musical circles in Christchurch passed away at the residence of his daughter (Mrs. R. QS Bell), Sussex-street, Ponsonby. Deceased had been ailing for 12 months He was an old colonist, having arrived in Christchurch over 40 years ago. Mr. Long leaves a family of six daughters and three sons. His wife predeceased him many years ago. Mr. Charles Fairweather, a well-known resident of Eyreton, died on July 26, after a painful illness. He arrived at Wellington in 1840 in the ship Lady Nugent, and came to Canterbury in 1886. He was at one time in the firm of carriers that conveyed the poles lor the first telegraph line between Canterbury and Nelson. He leaves a widow and 12 children. It will be seen from our obituary column that Mrs. Keesing, wife of Mr. Moss Keesmg, has passed away at her residence, Cookie • T l ie d , eceased came to the colony in 1865 in the ship Louisa. She was much esteemed and respected, and leaves a grownup family of four sons and three daughters. One of the oldest Canterbury settlers passed away on July 28 in the person of Mr Joseph Price, who died at the age of 91 years. Mr Price was one of the first whalers on the New Zealand coast. He afterwards lived with the Maoris at Kaiapoi and was there at the time Te Raupara made his famous raid, subsequently returning to the peninsula. Mrs. Benjamin Lusty, an old Richmond setter who arrived at Nelson in 1842, died on July 28, aged 78.