DEATH OF MR TRAVERS

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1626, 29 April 1903, Page 46

DEATH OF MR TRAVERS

A NOTABLE CAREER. TRIBUTES FROM BENCH AND BAR. THE HUTT RAILWAY ACCIDENT. Wo regret to announce that Mr W. T. L. Travers, one of the best-known citizens ol \\ ellington, died on Monday morning as the result oi tne railway aucident on Sunday niglit at the Rower trutt station. As the particulars oi tiffs accident .published m another portion of tins issue shows, Mr Travers suffered such serious mimics that it was deemed necessary to amputate his right leg. which was ciuGnd badly near the ankle. The cuerat.u u was performed between mid light and 1 o’clock, aud tlie patient rallied, hut in the early morning tho symp oms became less favourable, and Mr Travers gradually sank, and died about 5 o'clock. The news caused widespread regret in the city when it. became known. Mr Travers, who was one tf ti e most prominent. members of the legal profession ; n Wellington, was highly esteemed, not only for his sound legal o now lodge, but for his many estimable qualities as a private citizen. He was a many-.-ided man. Ho had been soldier, politician, l awvcr and scientist. Throughout life he took the keenest nterest in scientific subjects, and was one of tho strongest friends the New Zealand Institute had tn this colony. He was mainly lustmmental in founding tlie institute, anl in 1867, when he took his scat m Pa'l lament as member for Christchurch city, he introduced the Act which established it on a legal footing. His scientific* studies embraced chemistry, geology, and tlie flora and fauna cf tlie country. Hp was an expert in photography—in fact, there was hardly a branch of scientific work in which he d'd not ’■a&e a lively and practical interest. Up till the last —lie was eighty-four years of age at the time '4 ]ffs deal h—his mental and physical activity was astonishing. He gave the people of-this city aud of the colony many proofs of his mental vigour and high attainments in his addresses as president of the New Zealand Institute, in his contributions to the “Transactions” of that body—such contributions embracing practically every branch of scientific research—and m his letters to the press. As for his physical activity, was this not equally well known? Wellington residents still preserve recollections of the vigour and enthusiasm with which, at the age of seventy-four, he ilung himself ten years ago into the contest for one of the Wellington city seats in Parliament. His retort when ho was challenged on the score of age was ready, and characteristic of the man. It was simply a challenge in reply to any of tho candidates standing against him to run t-o the top of Mount Victoria and back. None of the candidates accepted tho challenge, and had they done so, few things are more unlikely than that the dominating vitality, the energy, and the pluck of Mr Travers would have carried him through the victor in this unique contest. It was in the course of this election campaign, also, that he was interrupted at one of his meetings by an individual in the audience, so persistently that he at length threatened to put out tho intruder. As the latter did not even then desist, Mr Travers showed that he was a man of his word by peremptorily marching down from the platform, seizing the offender by the shoulders, and putting him out of the room. Mr Travers went back to the platform amidst thunderous applause, and the meeting went on m peace. Another story, illustrative of his ready wit. may be told here. At his first meeting in this election, when he spoke at the Wellington Opera House, Mr Travers, in the midst of one of his graceful speeches—his diction was always choice and his reasoning cogent—was opposing the veto by the bare majority in regard to the liquor traffic, and declaring himself in favour of the threefifths majority principle, when he was interrupted by someone in the gallery, who called out, “Would you not trust the people?” “Well, you know,” promptly replied Mr Travers, “the people were trusted by Pilate, and they called out “Bar abb as.’ ” The hit told palpably ; there was a burst of applause, and the interrupter was silent. Mr Travers was a prominent figure in tho early political history of New Zealand. Born on the 19th January, 1819, at Castle View, near Newcastle, County Limerick, Ireland, he was educated in France, at the College of Sfc. Servan, and entered the British Legion oi Spain as Lieutenant in the 2nd Regiment of Lancers, serving during the Carlist War from 1835 till 1838. He studied law part of the time as aide-de-camp to General Espartero, afterwards Duke de Victoria. He studied law in England, and was admitted to practice in 1844 in London. In 1849 he came to this colofty, by the ship Kelso, settling first ot all m Nelson, where ho practised his pi ores*sion as a barrister and solicitor, except for the period during which he was a judo-e of the District Court, a position which he resigned in order to continue his practice at the Bar. He first entered Parliament in 1854 as member for Nelson, but soon resigned, and during the tenure n,f that Parliament. wnsi

€(1 member for Wabnoa. -At that time, tho colony was under the cloud of ilie Maori War. and one of the first speeches which Mr Travers made in Parliament was in proposing an udeuess to "tns Excellency the Officer Administering the Government,” with regard to the question of affording unlit.try protection to the European population oi iNow Plymouth district, lie resigned his post lion as mem her for Wanner* in 1858. Two years later he changed his place of residence to Canterbury. In 1067 no was returned to Parliament as member for Christchurch city, tic became also a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council, and was one of the executive at the time when Mr William liealey was Superintendent of the province. In 1889 Mr Travers removed to Wellington, beginning the practice of his profession in this city, where ids homo lias been ever since. In 1877 he was elected member for Wellington city, and lepresonted this constituency during the term of that Parliament. Prior to the establishment of responsible government in tins colony, ho was a member of the Executive Council for a brief period in 1854. Mr Travers was the last survivor of those who sat in the House in the session of 1851. Mr Hart, another of tho representatives of that year, died some time ago, and Mr Forsafth, prominent in the House at that time, died a few years ago at his homo at Parramatta, .Now South Wales. Mr Forsaith was the head of the Government which earned the sobriquet of “Tho Clean-Shirt Ministry,” on account of a remark of Ins in a speech that when -lie received the summons to meet his Excellency to form a Ministry, he first of all went home and put on a clean shirt. Mr Travers interested himself considerably in tho local affairs of Wellington. It is mainly to his efforts and those of Sir James Hector, Mr Ludlam and tho Hon. Mr Mantel! that the people owe their possession of the Botanical Gardens, one of the few breath-ing-spaces left to them in tins busy city 7. Ho was ono of the first Board of Governors cf Wellington College. Ho was ono cf thoso who promoted tiie meeting of citizens called to form the Manavaitu Railway Company, and was solicitor to that company until tho time of ilia death. For some years lie filled tho position of City Solicitor. Having interested himself in volunteering, lie held command of companies in Nelson and Christ oil urcli, and had a commission in the. Militia for over forty years. Mr Travers held the Grand Cross of tho Order of Cambodia received from the French Government for services he had rendered to that Government. As has been said, Air Travers enjoyed mor o' than a mere local reputation for his knowledge of law. Pie was, in fact, regarded as one of the soundest lawyers m tho colony, and ho deservedly held a high reputation at tho local bar. It was hero that the vigour and keenness of his intellect were notable, anj in spite of his years these characteristics ho retained till tho very last. He was always forcible and logical, and tho language in which ho- clothed his thoughts was of tho best. Mr Travers was twice married. His first wife, to whom ho was married at Cork, Ireland, in 1543, was Miss Jane Cluham. A son (Mr H. H. Travers) and daughter (Mrs Coleridge) of this union are still living. His second wife, a daughter of Captain Barclay ,of Wellington, survives him. EULOGIES FROM BENCH AND BAH. The Wellington. Bar, previous to the opening of the sessions of the Supreme Court on Monday, assembled in almost full complement to do honour to tho memory of tho deceased gentleman. Mr H. D. Bell, president of the New Zealand Law Society, speaking with a feeling which made his remarks inaudible at times, spoke to tho following effect: —May it please your Honor, — Tho Law Society of New Zealand asks permission to refer to the loss tho society, and the colony as a whole, has sustained in tho death of William Thomas Locko Travers. . . .. He was the best and fairest friend that could bo desired; happy in every relation of Lfe; ho kept an even mind in the most arduous and difficult cases; and outside tho profession of tho law ho was—if ever a man was in tho colony—-hon-oured, respected and loved. Ho was tho last of the few members who sat in tho first Parliament of New Zealand. Ho held, for only a brief time, tho office cf Attorney-General ; but lie at a subsequent time was offered, and lfe refused, a permanent tenure of that office on tho resignation of the late AttorneyGeneral. Throughout liis career ho led an honourable, upright life, and as a lawyer his outsitancliing characteristic was his extreme fairness. He was an admirable example to us who have met now to honour his memory. He was justly esteemed for his uniform kindness and for the consideration that ho invariably showed towards men younger than himself. However many of us have sought for safo counsel founded upon his ripe experience . . . none of us have failed to find it. . . In concluding, Mr Bell quoted the words of a Latin writer—“Quis desiderio sit pucl or aut modus jam cari capitis.” Mr C. P. Skerrett, speaking on behalf cf the Wellington Law Society, c-imr-pssed a deen sens« of the

tained through Mr Travers’s death—a loss not only to tho Wellington Bar, but. a less to the people of tiic colony. Able and upright, deeply versed in the law and sound of judgment, he was an undoubted ornament to a great and ancient profession. Nobility of character was apparent in his every action, and tho purity of his private life, as well as h:,s largeness of heart, endeared him to everyone. Ho was nob only' loyal to his friends, hut he was a man of great public spirit who had taken a great part, for good in the public affairs of this colony.

Thu Chief Justice said he thought it only fitting that sc«ne reference should be made from the Bench to the departure from life of so old and esteemed a member of the bar. Personally, his Honor had only known Mr Travers for thirty years, but before personal acquaintance lie had formed a high opinion of him. Within two weeks Mr Travers would have been fifty-three years at the bar. Before ho came to Now Zealand he distinguished himself by bravery on the fie.d of battle in Spain, and for this he received recognition from the King of that country. He was a pioneer of New Zealand, and lie had the honour of representing tho Nelson constituency in the first Parliament of New Zeaiand. Ho was one of tho first members selected to fill the office of AttorneyGeneral. and in 1877, had he consented, he would have been Attorney-General in the Ministry formed that year. As had been well said, he was distinguished not only as a lawyer, but in many other walks of life, not the least of which was the work he had do-no as an explorer in the early days of Nelson province. Only those brought into close touch with him could appreciate his thoroughly admirable nature. His death would cause a blank that could not easily 7 be filled. His Honor said that ho and his fellow-judges exceedingly 7 regretted Mr Travers’s death, and they felt sure that tho sympathy of tho community would go. out to thoso he had left behind and those whom he had loved. He had certainly left a bright example to the bar, and no one could charge him with anything not in keeping with the utmost dignity. He was, a.s Mr Bell had well said, one of the last of those early pioneers who had helped to make New Zealand what it was, and who had since done much to help to maintain its reputation. Sir Robert, in concluding, said that he and the other members of the bar sincerely regretted Mr Travers’s death. Before the civil business was called on at the Supreme Court, Air Justice Edwards, who presided, spoke as follows concerning the death of the late Mr Travers: —“I do not think that I ought to begin die business of thisCourt to-day without professing my profound grief at the lamentable accident which has removed from our midst our old and well-loved friend, Air Travers. No opportunity• was afforded me of joining in the tribute which, I understand, lias already been paid to his memory in another branch cf this Court this morning, and I think that I, who have known him so long and so well, ought not to allow-myself to appear to bo wanting in respect to his memory. For more years than we of tho intermediate generation can remember, Mr Travers has been a leading practitioner of this Court—for many years ho was the most foremost practitioner. Ho saw grow around him two generations cf the bar. Ho saw many younger men depart before him. During all that long career he enjoyed the respect and the love cf. the Bench and tho bar alike. In losing him we feel that we have lost not only a friend, hut a land-mark in the history 7 of the colony and of tho bar. Truly, lie was one of the few men whom it can justly be said that they are loved by their fellow-men. I express, I know, the feelings of the bar, as well as my own feelings, when I say that our grief and horror are sincere and profound, that instead of the peaceful passing away which wo all anticipated for him, he should have been overtaken by 7 a fate so unforeseen, so sudden and so tragic.” Air Bell, on behalf of the bar, thanked bis Honor for his sympathetic remarks. Reference was made to the death of Air Travers prior to the commencement of the business at tho Alagistrate’s Court. Air Jellicoe, the senior member of the baa 7 present, said that since the last sitting of the Court the bar had lost one of its best friends and leaders. Alembers of the bar were always ablo to go to their deceased friend when in doubt and difficulty, and they received assistance from him in more ways than it was possible for tho speaker to describe. Air Jellicoe, continuing, said lio had lost also a very good friend—a man who had been his friend since he had been in the colony. He (Air Jellicoe) could not do more than to suggest that his Worship would allow the Court, to stand adjourned out of respect to the memory of the deceased gentleman. Dr A. AlcArthur, S.AI., he could not tell them how much he felt Air Travers’s death. It had been his pleasure to spend! the whole of Sunday 7 afternoon with their late friend, who was then in the best of health and spirits, and who showed that kindly disposition which he ever entertained tftworria /.rAvvhodv. Uix Worslii r> had

no hesitation in saying that on Sunday afternoon no man seemed further from death than their friend. But he was also sure no ono was more prepared to go hence when called upon. The occurrence was one which had almost paralysed speech, and his "Worship could only add that he would at once acquiesce in the request made by Air Jellicoe. As soon as the charge-sheet had boon gone through the rest of tho business would be adjourned. THE INQUEST. An inquest concerning tho death of the Into Air Travers was held at Lower Hutt on Alonday, befero Air Jas. Ashcroft (Coroner) and a jury of six, of whom Air H. Jackson was chosen foreman. Air A. Gray 7 appeared on behalf of the Crown for the Railway Department, and Air J. P. Campbell watched the proceedings on behalf of deceased’s family. Dr Jas. Robert Purdy deposed that he arrived at the deceased’s residence about five minutes to eight o’clock on Sunday night. Deceased was quite conscious. He was suffering from a compound fracture of the right leg. Dr Valintine arrived shortly afterwards, and after a consultation it was decided to amputate tho limb. Dr Collins and Dr Campbell were also in attendance afterwards. Witness found deceased was tuso suffering from other injuries of a more or less serious character. Deceased was quite willing to submit to the operation. Pie said the accident was entirely Ins own fault (or words to that effect), and mentioned that ho did not think the train wa-s moving so fast when ho got on to the platform of the carriage. Pie made an effort, to get off, and when falling someone had clutched him. Deceased said he shouted to this person to ‘‘let go,” as ho knew ho would have fallen on tho platform in any case. Deceased stated that when he did fall, he collided with tho guard, and rolled over between the platform and the carriages. Ho did not seem to realise that his leg had been run over. Dr Collins performed the operation, and deceased seemed to be doing well until fivo o’clock. 110 then complained of great compression on his chest, and passed away 7 about 5.30 as if in sleep. 'Witness said deceased bad also suffered a very bad fracture on tho head and he had no doubt that the ultimate cause of death w r as hemorrhage on the brain. All tho symptoms were consistent with this. Charles Lilley, a police constable stationed at Wellington, said ho was on duty at Lower Piutt on Sunday. Witness was standing on the platform at the time of the accident, and two or three carriages had passed him, when he heard somebody shout, “Let me go you foolish boy.” Ho then saw tho deceased jump out of a carriage and fall against the guard. The impact threw him back against the train, and ho fell between tho wheels and tho plavrorm. Witness called out’ to deceased to lio still. The first car passed without causing deceased anv injury, but the stops of tho second dragged him about seven or eight yards. Ho got free of the carriage, however, and two other carriages and the guard’s van passed without touching him. Tho train stopped about a carriage-length from where Air Travers was lying. Tlio guard could not have avoided Air Travers bumping against him. Witness did not know 7 who it was who clutched deceased. From what deceased had said to witness it was evident some lad wished to prevent him getting off the train.. In reply to Air Campbell, witness said ho did not know what steps were taken to stop tho train. Constable Pat on also give evidence. James AloFarlane Williamson, who was guard on the 7.45 train on Sunday evening, said the train was moving at the rate of six or seven miles an hour when the deceased jumped off. Witness was looking towards the engine when somebody jumped off the train and collided with him. He had' not time to get out of the way. Deceased’s elbow caught witness in the pit of the stomach. Witness described what followed. and stated that he at once signalled to his assistant to step the train by the emergency tap in the van, and also showed a red light. The train stopped immediately. To Mr C ‘amphell: Deceased seemed to jump right off the platform of the carriage without getting on the step. Witness, further questioned by the Coroner, said that about tho time Air Travers jumped, “a boy seemed to get amongst" his feet.” He did not know where tho boy came from. The Coroner: Did Air Travers drag tho boy with him, —I could not say. I could nob seo him afterwards. Was Air Travers committing any 7 breach of tho regulations in acting as ho did?—Yes, decidedly. Air Campbell protested against tHis evidence being taken. There wa,s no suggestion that the occurrence was other than accidental. Mr Ashcroft said he would have the statement taken down. It was a very material point. Tho regulations making it an offence to board or leave a train in motion were then read. To Air Gray: Witness said the train had travelled forty 7 yards before Air Travers jumped. The usual signals were given before tho train started. Witness was »ta.udi.niZ about threw fwwt.

from the carriage as it passed linn. The practico of people coining to see their friends off at the Wellington and suburban stations, and waiting in carriages till tho train was moving oil, was a constant source of troublo to tho officials. Wiiliam T. Tregurtha, a porter "who was on duty at tho time of the accident, gave evidence that tho Westmghcuse brake was applied as soon as the signals to stop tho train were given. Tho Coroner, in reviewing the evidence, said it was quite plain, evc-n from Alt* Travers’s own statement, that ho had erred in jumping oft the tram. Air Ashcroft a.so expressed his deep sorrow at tho loss of such a worthy and widely-known citizen. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death, caused by a fall from a tram.no biamo being attachable to anybody. An expression of sympathy at deceased’s sad end was added by 7 the jury. DUNEDIN, April 27. On tho Supremo Court assembling this morning. All* Justice Williams paid a tribute of respect to All* Tiavers’s memory, saying in conclusion :—“ Hia last appearance in Court was on Saturday 7, when, with great dignity and vigour, ho spoko to defend tho honour of the Court with which he had been so long associated. That was, indeed, a fitting crown to a long and useful career,” Tho entire bar remained standing while the Judge spoke.