OBITUARY.

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 9320, 15 June 1891, Page 3

OBITUARY.

T. MACXCAY. We regret very much to announce the death of Mr Mackav, one of the best public servants in New Zealand, a man of groat capacity and integrity, than whom no one was more respected. The deceased gentleman was born in Inverness in the year 1820, and began life in Ireland early as an engineer. About twenty-lire years ago he came to New Zealand, and spent five years in various pursuits. At the end of that time ho entered the Government service, and the twenty years that followed have been very laborious and painstaking. After drifting about in various capacities, be first received permanent employment as deputy commissioner of the Nelson district, from tho date of which appointment be ranked as a regular member of the Civil Service. After the Nelson deputy commissionerebip ho served some time in the Public Worka Department as Land Purchase Officer. He served as agent for the West Coast coalfields for some time, making many journeys and explorations, in the course of one of which near Westport his horse fell with him. On that occasion Mr Mackay broke his leg and narrowly escaped with his life. At Westport his tact and skill were largely instrumental in settling various difficult complications in connection with coalfield matters. After the report of the Royal Commission appointed to enquire into the Taranaki Native land troubles, he succeeded Sir F. D. Bell as Commissioner, and up to the time of his death administered tbo Waimate Plains reserves with groat success. His firm character, hiashrewclnes, and taotcontribntedgreatly to tho success of that work. He was bat the other day appointed one of the three Commissioners to investigate ths whole question of tho Native land laws. That Commission has presented its report, signed by two of the Commissioners, to Parliament, Mr Maokay contributing a memorandum to the effect that be was writing a separate report. That report he unfortunately did not live to complete. His death was somewhat sudden. On Monday last he was laid up with an abscess in the face, and on Saturday be died of heart disease, pissing quietly away in his sleep. His loss is universally regretted. His upright character, high ability, sound judgment, and methodical industry made him a most valuable publio servant. He will not easily be replaced.

J. W. BRYANT. Death is rapidly thinning the ranks of those who walked in procession on the Jubilee Day of the Colony, January 22,1890. We have to announce to day the decease of Mr John William Bryant, who succumbed on Saturday to the injuries he received by a trap accident on Wednesday last, In spite of the skill and unremitting attentions of Dr Cahill, who did everything that science could suggest, going out from Wellington three times in twenty-four hours ; but Mr Bryant’s injuries wore far serious for mortal aid. Mr Bryant was born on Petone Beach, the original township of Britannia—on the 30th of May, 1840, his parents having arrived in the Colony a few weeks previously in tho Duke of Roxburgh. Mr Bryant was thus the third white man born in the Colony, the previous two being Mr Thos. Rogers, of Palmerston North, and Mr Lancelot Holmes, tho well-known Wellington Pilot. Prom email beginnings, Mr Bryant, by steady industry, thrift, nod judgment, had placed himself in easy circumstances, and it was a satisfaction to him to be able to leave his widow and large family well provided for. Mr Bryant was a man of sterling worth and character. He commanded tbe respect of ail with whom he oame in contact and tbe strong regard of those who knew him intimately. Ho will be buried to-day in the Oharin Valley, where he has lived for so many years. The funeral leaves his late residence, Ohariu valley, for the Church of England cemetery to-morrow (Tuesday), at 2 p.m.