OBITUARY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1612, 14 October 1882, Page 14

OBITUARY.

MR J. S. CUTHB?P«TSOH

(Tuesday's Southland News.)

The news circulated this morning of the death of Mr John Robert Cuthbertson occasioned a universal feeling of painful surprise, for there were few, if any, to whom he was personally unknown. That this should be the case was the natural sequence of what may be styled a life-long connection with public affairs. [For more than 20 years — indeed, ever since Southland first became a province— he was more or less actively engaged in public business. There were few, if any, of our colonists who threw themselves with so much ardour into the several movements that t are essential to the building-up of the institutions required to place the people of a Colony on the same plane of civilisation as those whom they left in the older countries. Originally a runholder, the deceased gentleman, after some years, found the pursuit incompatible with his active mind, and resolved to carve out for himself a fresh career among the busy haunts of men. Prior to this he had occupied the position of Deputy-super-intendent, and was looked upon as one who, if he tried, was bound to make his mark. On his arrival in town he accepted the post of editor of the Southland Times, and in that capacity displayed singular vigour and ability. He was not one of those who feel it necessary to stand upon their dignity, but was always ready to undertake any of the several functions that in large cities are divided amongst numbers, but on a country newspaper must either be performed by one or left unfulfilled. To report a public meeting or write a leader, or do both the same evening, was well within his capacity ; and, incidentally it may be said that the compositors who were in the office with him gratefully remember to this day the type-like clearness of his manuscript, the well-formed characters of which no amount of preb&ure for '* copy" ever changed. As a writer Mr Cuthbertson was always clear, often brilliant — his articles were invariably models of good English, and rarely, if ever, marred by personalities. The incessant labour told after awhile even upon his splendid constitution, but he sought relaxation in change rather than in rest. Passing from the editoiial chair to the platform, he created so favourable an impression as to secure his return to the General Assembly as member for the town of Invercargill. In this capacity he was looked \ipon as a rising politician, but failing to secure a renewal of the popular vote, he once more resumed his place in the ranks as a private citizen. Turning his attention to municipal affairs, he was elected mayor, and in that position rendered good service by his intimate acquaintance^with the forms of public business. During his" term of office he was instrumental in causing experimental borings to be made with the view of determining whether the water supply of the town could be obtained on

the artesian principle— a question that unfortunately remains even yet unsettled. He was also for some time president of the Athenumm, and exerted himself strenuously in the interests of that institution. He was likewise a member of the Acclimatisation Society, and latterly of the Southland Institute. His connection with the Volunteer movement in Southland dates several years back. Unlike many in good social position who think it beneath them to enter the service except with a commission, he joined the ranks as a private, and went through the whole of the preparatory drill, afterwards working himself up to the position of captain of the G Battery— a pest he resigned only under pressure of private affairs. For many years he held the Commission of the Peace, and was distinguished on the Bench for thorough impartiality and the soundness of his decisions. Only last week he took part in the proceedings of a public meeting held to consider what action should be taken in connection with certain injurious reports regarding the management of the Southland Hospital, and spoke with a degree of moderation and grasp of the subject that greatly impressed those present. Throughout his career as a public man Mr Outhbertson was remarkable for what may be called, in default of a better term, philosophic spirit. He was ever a generous antagonist, and sustained defeat or reverses with perfect temper. To this fine quality is due the fact that his demise, while still in the full vigour of manhood, is regretted by men of all shades of politics, that there are none who will have an ill word to say of him. That he had peculiarities, that he was somewhat hasty at times, is to say that he was human, but to this it must be added that he never cherished hard feelings, that he was ready to make the first advances with a frank admission of error if that could be charged against him. Mr Outhbertson, we have been informed, graduated at the University of Glasgow. Whether this be the case or not, he had received and profited by a liberal education, holding himself under' all circumstances as a gentleman. "He leaves a widow and family, some of whom are grown up, two of his sons already holding positions that will give them a fair start in life.