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Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Volume 2, Issue 71, 8 February 1879, Page 2

Death of Bishop Elloy.— On Saturday morning last it was announced by circular that His Lordship, tko Right Rev. L. Elloy, Bishop of Tipasa, Vicar Apostolic of Central Oceania, died on the 22nd of November last, at N. D. de Bon Encontra, France. The Solemn Mass for the repose of His Lordship's soul was hold in the church of the French Mission, at Apia, at 8 a.m. on Tuesday i last.

Jlkktin-g at HOUNUV.—On Thursday morning last, at the request of the Taimua and Faipule, the Foreign Consuls met them at Mulinuu. One of the Taimua said that they had sent for the Consuls to obtain their advice as to the making of laws, and also whether they would advise them to avail themselves of the services of a certain American gentleman (whom the did not name) at present residing in Apia. Th. Weber, Esq., Imperial German Consul, said that they needed' only very simple laws ; that it was not necessary for them to have, at present, any foreigners in their government. The gentleman whom tiiey referred to was a very nice gentlemen, but they were not yet far enough advanced to need more advice and assistance than the Consuls could give them. Moreover, if they had a foreigner in their government he might bring them into trouble as didSteinbergcr. R. S. Swanston, Esq., Acting British Consul said that England had no treaty with Samoa, therefore it was not his duty to advise them who they should or should not take into their government. Ho was instructed to aid and assist them in carrying out any just and reasonable laws, and in that matter he was prepared to assist them, and flee that British subjects respected them, but to advise thorn in the matter of accepting the services of a foreigner was beyond his duty. T. M. Dawson, Esq., I nited States Consul naid that the United States Government had recognised Samoa as a free and independent nation ; that they were free to declare war or make peace, and tako one or fifty foreigners into their government if they chose. In this caso he did not seo his way clear to adviso them, for if he did and trouble arose out of it, he would bo blamed for it, therefore he did not wish to accept the responsibility. In municipal or police matters ho was willing to render them every assistance. It was finally agreed by the Consuls that they would render any assistance the Government required in drafting laws for the pence and good ordor of the town of Apia. After thanking the Consuls for their attendance, the meeting closed.

Poor Old Nkd.—Early ou last Hon- j day morning, at Fadtootai, there paactd away from among us, in the person ol Edward or Ned Butler, one who tor some years has been iu liis way quite a charm -1 ter in Samoa, ami as such known by j nearly all the older foreign residents. And yet, though so well and intimately known, now ho has gone to his long home, not one of his many friends can with certainty say where he really cume 'from, the belief of most, however, from his own statements, being that he was bum and brought up in Stepney, near London. With a fair education and a natural genius for mechanics, he served his time as millwright and engineer, but of a roving, restless disposition, be either couldn't or wouldn't remain at home, and in the ' service of the mad company found his | way out to India, where lie led u life j which might have certainly satislied the I most unsettled mind and the most adventurous spirit. At one time acting as engineer ou the Ganges, at another in Baahire with the Persian expedition; now laying telegraph lines through different parts of India, and shortly after taking his part as volunteer and soldier iu all those scenes of blood and carnage which followed the outbreak of the mutiny in India. Many of his old friends will remember how vividly be could picture those seems ol horror he himself uad witnessed during that nine, and tile fearful retribution afterwards taken when opportunity offered. Serving during the whole of the war, it deserves to be particularly mentioned that he was one of the gallant few who, under Havelock, forced their way into Luoknow through hordes of mutinous Sepoys and by their timely succour enabled its garrison to hold out until they were all eventually relieved by Lord Clyde. Richer by £.'looo ho left India for Sydney only to lose nearly all he had. Trying then New Zealand be served during the Mauri troubles and shortly after founded mself in charge of the Mail Company's coaling depot at Raka (?) when the Company broke up he found himself left at Tahiti whence he managed to make his way to Samoa where after a residence of about ten years bis troubled and adventurous lite has been brought to a close. And quiet, peaceful and sudden his end was. With Ids once iron constitution broken down

by years of dissipation in a tropical climate weakened by asthma, and troubled by several native complaints he yet seemed to hold his own and !) o'clock p.m. of the proceeding evening saw him as well as usual, yet live horn's later he was free

from all his cares and troubles, having passed away apparently without a strug-

gle and without a friend or acquaintance near to soothe his hist moments or whisper a word of comfort in his ear. Poor Xed, after such a long and busy life, such a sudden and lonely death, and yet to see how tenderly and carefully the few foreigner, gathered round bis grave, performed the last few necessary offices, and see when all was over how gently and lovingly the sand on his humble grave was smoothed while through tears and sobs " Tofa Neti, Neti e, tofa " was brokenly uttered as a last farewell, one could not help thinking that far as he was removed from home and friends there was more real sorrow and grief at his loss than there might be at that of many a crowned head. Clever, straightforward and honest, and one who could be thoroughly depended upon except when under the influence of his curse—strong drink, Ned Butler will long bo missed and deeply regretted, and with all his faults his friends and neighbours do not hesitate to say that they " could have better spared a better man."—Commuui;cated.