JOHN SPERREY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1911, 25 September 1890, Page 24

JOHN SPERREY.

The telegram in our issue of last week announcing the death of this well-known old , Dunedin citizen would be read with regret by all who kuew him. Tbe career of Mr Sperrey in Dunedin since he landed in 1864 until he left for Wellington in 1878 is known to most of tbe residents, while his subsequent more extended occupation caused hi 3 name to bo familiar in every household from the North Cape to Stewart's Island. Tho cxacb date and place of his birth are unknown to us, but it matters little when his subsequent career presents features which should eu Courage one and all to emulate his example. In ea*-ly life he entered a London barking hous- 1 , perhaps in those days the most rigid school iv the world, and having discharged his obligations there and gained his experience in figures, although); not in commercial affairs, he naturally looked around, and with si lf-rsliant enthusiasm determined to make a new home for himself on bide and bpyond the crowded habitations of Britain. With this obJFct in view he took ship for Australia, and landed in Geelong some time during 1848 cr 9, — a few years before the gold diggings broke out. Finding employment there in fome branch of the iron trade, he steadily pursued his course until the " diggins " broke out in 1852, when, like most; of »he residents of Qeelong, be left for Ballarat. He and his companions, of whom Mr J. L Gillies, secretary of the Otago Harbour Board, is about the solo survivor 1 , came together almost haphazard, bnt though the members hailed from all parts of the old country, and had only previously known each other casually, the comradeship led to the formation of lasting friendships. In some of the proceedings at Jones' Creek and Mount Reraug, opposed to the authorities, and at tho time called riotous, but which should bo properly designated a determined stand for their rights by a legitimate body of workers, Mr Sptrry took a part, and did his he.sb quietly to maintain order and gain their end. On retiring from mining life Mr Sperrey returned to Geetong, where ha acquired a timber business and was married. He remained there till 1864, when New Zealand's — or rather Otagoa — temptation induced him to bring himself and- his belongings across tbe ocean and cast his lob in our midst. He haoftho good fortune to secure the appointment of Provincial Treasurer's Assistant (or Secretary), whioh was at the time vacant, and very soon was able to master all the details of his new occupation. Entering on his duties with the determination to succeed, success crowned his efforts, as he gained the ' confidence of every successive Administration of provincial affairs. In illustration of this fact, it may bo stated that when the Botanio Gardens were removed from Albany street to their present site almost the whole responsibility of their being properly laid out was placed under his charge, and, assisted as he ably was by the late curator, Mr M'Gruer, a garden worthy of tbe Dame and of the place was the result. Ornamental rustic work was Mr Bperrcy's particular hobby, and the bridges, stiles, fencing, and the pavilion were his special design. As to the latter, he had 'great difficulty iv finding oufc a " thatcber " who could put 1 the rushes on the roof securely enough, but the present state of ihe roof shows that he ultimately overcame this difficulty. The abolition of the provinces having taken place in 1873, Mr Sperrey's services were retained by the General Government, and he had to shifc his headquarters to Wellington. When Bir George Grey's Government passed the Land Tax Act Mr Sperrey was selected for the onerous and responsible position of commissioner. The duties were very heavy, and not only had a selection of competent valuers to be made but a staff of assistants had to be trained to carry out a new idea and institute a new atate of affairs. When the land tax gave way to the property tax Mr Sperrey was again entrusted with the work of organisation. The task was a difficult and delicate one,, as not only visible but also all invisible property had to be brought to book. No higher testimony to his business capacity could be needed than to state that he again succeeded in his task, aud very few are to be found who have any serious complaint against the bead or officers of a department bound from its very nature to be obnoxious.

Pew will ba found to say obafc Mr Sperrey had no faults. He nevur met all men on the same platform. But if any man sought for a sincere and honest friend in any difficulty in whioh he might be placed, and chose Mr Sperrey, be never had reason to regret his choice. In the heart of a large number of persons, the blank occasioned by the death of Mr Sperrey will nob be easily filled up. Memories of old days and associations well up, and things long forgotten rise to view. And many good, honest, earnest fellows will mourn over the loss of one of the truest friends that ever trod on God's enrth Mr Sperrey has left behind him one daughter only (Mrs Captain Mair), who is now bereaved of her last earthly parent.— [Communicated.]