OBITUARY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1250, 13 February 1896, Page 19

OBITUARY.

MR T. MILLS. One of Wellington’s earliest and most highly respected settlers has passed away, Mr Thomas Mills, who died on February 10 from gout, from which ho has been a sufferer for some time past. Mr Mills, who was born in London 68 years ago, came to Wellington with his parents in the ship Birman 54 yeai-s ago. Ho was first employed by Mr John Wade, trader, and subsequently entered the offices of Messrs Brewer and Braithwaite, solicitors. During his connection with this firm a notable circumstance in the history of Wellington occurred —a duel was fought by one of the firm and another well-known citizen, and one of the principals lost his life. Mr Mills was afterwards in the office of the late Hon de B. Brandon, and later on was bookkeeper to the late Hon J. Johnston. In 1847 he started in business in Wellington r,s a hardware merchant, and next went to the Hutt, where ho bought the storekeeping business of Mr S. 11. \ennell. He remained there 10 or 15 years, when he returned to Wellington, and was joined by Mr G. H. Vennell in partnership in a general merchants’ business. The firm was dissolved when Mr Vennell left for England (where he died), but Mr Mills carried on the business for some time, and afterwards started as a wine and spirit merchant, in which he continued until a week ago. Deceased, who was an elder brother of Mr E. W. Mills, leaves a widow, one son and a daughter (Mrs E. Senn). The late Mr Mills was widely esteemed, and his death Avill be regretted by a large circle of friends. In accordance with his own wish, the interment will take place at the Hutt, where four of his children, who succumbed to diphtheria during an epidemic of that malady many years ago, were buried.