Death of R. L. Stevenson.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XIX, Issue 6127, 18 December 1894, Page 4

Death of R. L. Stevenson.

(BY TELEGRAPH.) Auckland, December 17. Mr Robert Louis Stevenson was hard at his work till 4 o'clock in the afternoon of the day he died. Two hours later he complained to his wife of strange pains in his neck, and almost immediately became ■unconscious. The members of his family were called in and medical assistance obtained, but when the doctor arrived he saw no hope, and Mr Stevenson expired at 8.10 p.m. The cause of his death was apoplexy. Mr Stevenson's death occurred on December 3rd. His health of late had been so improved that his relatives hoped his lung trouble had gradually ceased to be absolutely dangerous, though for a long time hemorrhage had been in evidence. It was also hoped that the predictions of the family that his 45th year would be safely passed, and that the sensitiveness of his lung would disappear, might be verified. Apoplexy was nefc contemplated. Sir Stevenson, being for a time in robust health, had put through an enormous amount of work. A very powerful novel, to be called "The Weir of Hermister, or The Justice's Clerk," was about half finished, and its author was looking forward to its being launched on the literary world as one of his best productions. Immediately previous to the attack Mr Stevenson was superintending the manufacture of, a, special salad

dressing. He suddenly felt pains in the head, and almost instantaneously fell down. He was laid on a small bedstead, and there remained surrounded by his family till the end. His face wore such a calm and composed look that it was difficult to realise that life had departed, i On Tuesday the remains were interred on a plateau on the summit of Mount Vala, j 1300 ft above the sea level. The service was attended by 20 Europeans and 60 Samoans, and was highly impressive.