DEATH OF DR J. R, WANLESS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8398, 23 January 1889, Page 6 (Supplement)

DEATH OF DR J. R, WANLESS.

We regret exceedingly to record the death of Dr J. R. Wanless. The deceased gentleman was of Scotch-Canadian extraction. He was boru iv Montreal, where his people still reside— his father occupying an honourable position in the medical world there. He was a graduate of M'Gill College, and held diplomas in both the allopathic and homoeopathic departments of medical science. After finishing his university career he practised for a short time iv his native city, and then went to London to gain further knowledge. Iv 18S7 he came out to the colony as medical officer in charge of the ship Piako. He resided for n short time in Wellington, and then came to Dunediu. He had not intended to mike the colony his home, but gradually he grew so much iv love with it that he resolved permanently to remain in it. He has resided here for the last nine years. Though holding diplomas of both the allopathic and homoeopathic schools, he devoted his whole attention to the latter. The disease which carried him off began to manifest itself about two years ago, but it was only a few weeks since that it assumed a serious aspect. Everything that thoughtful friends could do was done, but the malady defied all skill. Dr Wanless himself was quite aware of the issue, and met it with that C!il:u fortitude which carried him through life Hu died last night at 815 o'clock, at the early ?.ge of 42.

As a professional man Dr Wanless proved himself possessed of exceptional ability, and was remarkably successful in his practice Quiet and unassuming, he could not be brought to use oven the ordinary means by which many legitimately push themselves forward into position and power. In his private life be exhibited qualities which endeared him to a wide circle of friends. He believed that " men, like columns aro only strong when they are upright"; and straightforwardness a-.id integrity were his marked characteristics. His intelluctu.il gifts wore of a high order; but being naturally shy and retiring, they wore fully known only to those wbo were intimately acquainted with him. He w.iii not perhaps a wide reader—the demands of his professional life did not allow sufficient time for that, —but he was au acute thinker, and his inquisitive mind loved to probe wider and dec-per prebltms than those necessitated by his mere i:n>fessional work. He was an iiccoraplished chessplayer, and his dentil creates a serious blauk among the enthusiasts of that game. By his death also the homeopathic sphere is left without a medical representative in Dunediu. That is a vacancy, however, which can be supplied with comparative ease; but those who knew Dr Wanless as a friend and a physician will seriously doubt if any other can ever quite fulfil the place which ho occupied in their trust and affection.—[Communicated,]