THE LATE MR ROBERT WALKER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4169, 29 June 1875, Page 3

THE LATE MR ROBERT WALKER.

In our obituary of today is recorded the deith of Mr Robert Walker, of the wellknown publishing firm of Bell and Bradfute, Edinburgh. Mr Walker's death occurred very suddenly, only three weeks after that of his brother-in-law, the late Mr John Auld, W.S., agent for this Province. He was for many years a well-known, much respected, and most useful citizen of Edinburgh, and hie name is no doubt familiar to a number of our readers who hail from that city. He was descended from an ancient Fifesbire family ; and, after attending the High School, he began life as an apprentice to the Messrs Bell and Bradfute, the oldest publishing firm in Edinburgh. About forty years ago he was admitted a member of the tirm, and for many years he was the sole partner. While diligently attending to his own business, he cheerfully de.voted no small portion of his time to the promotion of objects for the advancement of the public welfare. He was for a number of years a memb. r of the Edinburgh Merchant Compar.y ; and after holding successively the offices of

assistant and treasurer, he was elected Master of the Company—a position which he held for a few months only, having been appointed Treasurer of the Merchant Maiden Institution, and afterwards of George Watson's Hospital. Mr Walker rendered valuable service in connection with the establishment of the Merchant Company's Schools, a. few years ago, for the promotion of the higher education in Edinburgh. The work in connection with these schools, and the two treasurerships already mentioned, was found by him to occupy so much of his time and attention, that he retired from the firm of Bell and Bradfute, the business of which is now carried on by two of his sous He held, for twenty ytars, the office of Secretary to the Society of Booksellers, and only a few days before his death,-he had been presented by the Society with some exquisitely-chased silver plate, in acknow- !• dgment of his valuable services. Mr Walker, as representing the firm of Bell and Bradfute, had for many years maintained a somewhat intimate connection with the educational institutions of Otago, having been employed by the Government to collect the school appliances and public library books, which have been so largely introduced into the Province of late years. The firm has also been entrusted by the Otago University Council with the collection of the looks for the valuable library now in course of forma tion, and we believe the firm has recently exectvted large book orders for the public libiaries of tl c neighbouring Province of Canterbury. Independently of his business connection with Otago, Mr Walktr, in com-uvf-a with.-oust of the members of the Free Kirk, felt from the outset a warm interest in the progress of the Otago settlement, and there can be no noubt that, as in the case of his relative, the late Mr Auld, his kindly feelings towards the Province greatly influenced his business relations with the Government, and thus led to his execution of the numerous important commissions entrusted to his firm with a z-.al and a heartiness which might not otherwise hare been easily secured.