SUDDEN DEATH.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1745, 16 August 1905, Page 48

SUDDEN DEATH.

MR GEORGE WILTSHIRE. Mr George Wiltshire, a member of . the Wellington City Council, a wellknown and highly-respected citizen, died suddenly at about 3.15 p.m. on Thursday, in the office of Messrs Meek and Von Haast, solicitors, Grey street. The deceased gentleman Avas apparently in normal health right up till the time of his death, for several persons testify having had a chat with him after noon, Avhen there were no symptoms of illness. Mr Von Haast, avlio was present with his partner (Mr Meek) and Mr Harry Wiltshire (son of the deceased), states that Mr Wiltshire was seated beside the office table talking brightly on a business affair, Avhen he placed an elbow upon the table and his head on the palm of his hand, and seemed about to continue speaking, when his head fell forward. He breathed laboriously three or four times, and then leaned back in his chair, and took his last breath, to the great horror of those present. The police Avere summoned, and the body was conveyed to deceased’s late residence, Rintoul street. Mir Wiltshire was born in Surrey (England) in 1846, and was educated at the local grammar school. In his youth he went to London, Avhere he signed articles to learn the profession of a civil engineer, and adopted that career. He Avas employed from 1865 to 1876 in various parts of England in the practice of his profession, and in the latter year came out to Dunedin. Soon after his arrival he went to the Thames goldfields, and there and elseAvhere in the Auckland district undertook survey work. In 1876 he settled in Wellington, and joined the staff of the City Council under Mr Marchant, City Surveyor, and afterwards served under Messrs Baird and B. Loughrey, successors to Mr Marchant. While under Mr Loughrey he Avas promoted to be Assist-ant-City Surveyor, and on that gentlemen’s retirement in 1356 became City Surveyor, a position he filled up till 1899, Avhen Mr C. S. Rountlnvaite Avas appointed City Engineer. Mi’ Wiltshire retired from the municipal service, and in 1901 he Avas elected a member of the City Council. After leaving the service of the Corporation, he X>ractised his profession privately, occupying an office opposite the old Council Chambers, in Brandon street. Mr Wiltshire leaves a widow and four children —two sons (George and Harry) and two daughters (Mrs W. G. Mason, of the Wairarapa, and Miss Wiltshire). ADJOURNMENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL. After urgent business had been transacted at last Thursday night’s meeting of the City Council. v _ , ~ The Mayor said the unexpected cieatn of Councillor Wiltshire that afternoon reminded them all of the very tender hold they had on their e ? cis “ tence. Councillor Wiltshire had during a long period served the city in various capacities in a most conscientious manner, and it Avas not at all necessary for him (the speaker) to enlarge upon the subject to satisfy the Council in passing a resolution of appreciation of his services. He moved. “That this Council place on record its sense of profound grief at the sudden death of Councillor Wiltshire, Avho during a long period faithfully served the city as a careful and conscientious officer. and has for over two years displayed exceptional zeal and industry ao

a Councillor; and the Council tender* to his widow and family its sympathy ' in their irretrievable loss, and direct* that a copy of this resolution be sent to them.” Councillor Winder seconded the motion. Councillor Godber said they all appreciated Councillor Wiltshire’s efforts and comradeship in his service aa a Councillor. His zeal and attention to detail, and his technical knowledge of the Avork, as well as his extensive experience under the Council, rendered him of great value to the city. None would be missed from the Council table more than he Avould. Councillor Carmichael and Councillor Trevor also spoke: The latter remarked upon the regular attendance and unfailing promptitude of the late Councillor at all meetings, Avhether of committees or of the Avhole Council. He devoted a considerable amount of time to the work, and Avas Avell up in all the requirements of the city. The motion A\'as carried in silence, the members standing. The Council then adjourned until Monday afternoon. The District Coroner, Mr James Ashcroft, held an* inquiry on Friday into the cause of the death of the late Air George Wiltshire, of Rintoul street, Avho died suddenly the previous afternoon.Dr Chappie’s evidence showed that- deceased had suffered from aortic disease. He thought it a little remarkable that a person could have had such serious affectio3i without experiencing symptoms that Avould lead him to 1 seek medical adA-iee. The jury’s verdict was in accordance AA'ith D'r Chappie’s testimony. The funeral of the late Air George Wiltshire, aaTio Avas a Councillor of the city of Wellington, took place cm Saturday afternoon. A large number of people attended the late residence of deceased, “ Uplands,” Rintoul street, and joined in the cortege to the Karori cemetery to mark their respect for a man Avho had taken a great interest in the advancement of the city. Included in the procession Avere the Mayor (Hon T. W. His:op), the Town Clerk (Air J. R. Palmer), the members of the City Council, the heads of the Corporation departments, and many people AA'ho had been connected with the City Council during the period that deceased acted as City Engineer and Surveyor. The funeral Avas also attended by a number of tramway employees. " The chief mourners were Messrs George and Henry Wiltshire (sons of deceased) and Air W. J. Mason “ (son-in-laAv). The pall-hearers were officers of Court Robin Hood. A.O.F. Tho Rev R. Coffey officiated at the graveside. During the l afternoon the flag on the Town Hall was loAvered to half-mast out of respect to the memory of deceased. A large number of Avreaths were sent to deceased’s late residence.