OBITUARY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3100, 13 August 1913, Page 32

OBITUARY.

MRS SEELY. LONDON, 'August 11. Mrs Seely, wife of Colonel Seely (Minister of War) is dead. Mrs Seely gave birth to a daughter on Saturday. The child survives. MR CHARLES DUKE. Another of that splendid band of earlv settlci-s who helped to make Otago what it is passed away in the early hours of the 7th inst. Mr Charles Duke, whose death wo record at the age of 81. was of that sturdy fibre which, possessed by so many of the fathers of Otago, was the means of overcoming the countless difficulties which had to be encountered in the early days of the province. His self-reliance, optimism, energy, and wide sympathies made him a useful member of the community even up to a week or two ago, for as a vice-presi-dent of the Early Settlers’ Association ho retained an active interest in nil its transactions right up to the last. The late Mr Duke came to Otago in the eliip Palmyra in 1858. For the first few years after arrival ho was employed at road-making, bush-clearing, brick-making, etc., until 1860, when ho was appointed to take charge of Quarantine Island, near Port Chalmers. It was while Mr Duke held that position that the passengers by the ships Victory and Mataura were quarantined for a considerable time, the vessel having smallpox on board. Prom 1872 till 1888 he was depot master of the immigration barracks at Caversham, and his wife was matron for a considerable time. In 1888 the Immigration Department was abolished. Mr Duke and his wife retired to Sawyers’ Bay, where they continued to reside until 1908. In that year they came to Dunedin and took up their residence with their son, Mr W. H. Duke, London street. The deceased gentleman took a very prominent and active interest in the Wesleyan Church. He had held all the offices that a layman can hold in the church; ho was twice appointed as a delegate to the Australasian Conference, besides attending many conferences in New Zealand. Mr Duke was a local preacher during part of his life time, and while at Port Chalmers he showed his energy and conscientiousness by walking over to Blueskin and back every Sunday to conduct a service. While living at Caversham lie was the first superintendent of the Cargill Road Sunday School and ho retained this position for many years, continuing to take a deep interest in Sunday school work to the last. He was for some time a member of the West Harbour Borough Council and also Mayor of the borough. He took an interest in the public school at Sawyers’ Bay, and was for some time chairman of the School Committee. Mr Duke was a Justice of the Peace- and had been a member of the Waikouaiti County Council. lie is survived by hie widow and two children, Mrs J. C. Stephens and Mr W. H. Duke. REV. JOHN CHRISTIE. News of the death of the Rev. John Christie which wo publish this week will be received with regret by a largo circle of friends of the deceased gentleman. Mr Christie came out to Otago in the early days, and for many years had charge of the Presbyterian Church at Waikouaiti, where he was esteemed by all on account of his courteous and kindly qualities. Advancing years compelled him to retire from, active work some 12 years ago, but since then he has taken a keen interest in church matters and in the scene of his labours. Mr Christie was born in East Kilbride, Scotland, in 1830, and was educated at tho Edinburgh and Glasgow Uffljt’ersiticß. Ho received his license from Presbytery of Glasgow in 1860. In 1862 he arrived at Port Chalmers iu the ship Cheviot, and tho following year ho became pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Waikouaiti. Ho retained the pastorate of this church for 38 years, retiring in 1901. Since then Mr Christie has resided in Anderston road, Roelyn. He was a devoted student of scientific subjects, and wrote many articles concerning them. In 1862 lie was married to Miss Rachel gtewart, of Carluke, Scotland, and he is survived by his widow, two sons, and four daughters. MR JAS. IRVINE. The death of another old resident of the •province is announced this week in that of Mr Jas. Irvine, son., of the well known firm of Irvine and Stevenson, who passed away at his residence in Fillcul street last evening, at the age of 85 years. Mr Irvino started business in Dunedin nearly 50 years ago, and for more than 30 years has been in partnership with Mr Stevenson, the operations of the firm having grown from small to very large dimensions. Mr Irvine took a keen interest in church matters, and was for many years an office bearer in First Church. lie is survived by his widow, two sons, and four daughters.