DEATH OF MR JOHN SYMONS

Colonist, Volume XX, Issue 2444, 12 September 1878, Page 1 (Supplement)

DEATH OF MR JOHN SYMONS

Last ■ night the melancholy intelligence was received by cablegram that the most enterprising and energetic man of business Nelson ever knew, was lost to us. by death. Those who knew Mr. John Symons in earlier days, and those only, can understand how much of the advance in our commercial prosperity at the time when the West Coast goldfields ; were first developed, was owing entirely to his foresight, and untiring exertions. Nelson though .politically connected with the northern part of the auriferous district, had no such special advantages as to warrant the belief that it could have commanded almost the entire trade, and that this was substantially done, must be attributed to the resolution of Mr. Symons to risk— and then it was indeed risking— a large capital in the purchase of steamers. With increased requirements his fleet was steadily added to, and he had the rare honor as a commercial man to be ultimately the sole owner of five steamers, a' position probably without parallel in the Australa- ; sian Colonies, and certainly in New Zealand. Mr. Symons was i . no doubt fortunate in acquiring a \ share in the old established firm I of Messrs, N. Edwards; & Co., but he was none the less one of those ; men who may be justly styled the j architects of their own fortunes. ! His early experiences were no, . - I more promising than with thou- \ sands of others. He fought hard to rise amongst his fellow-men, and his reward came, earned by unflagging industry, indomitable courage, and mercantile skill. i As his fortune rose he developed with it. The scorners, and the ranks of inferior men furnish too many, could not understand how the retailer rose to the merchant prince j nor how in every stage he proved himself fully equal to each new position. He never forgot the duty of mental cultivation, and those enjoying his friendship alone were in a position to understand the broad views on public affairs that he entertained. By successive changes he became the sole proprietor of a magnificent business, of a noble steam fleet, and of extensive runs ; but though wealth accumulated, he never by look or word intimated any sense of superiority to those less successful. He was an ardent believer in the aristocracy of intellect, and poor as its possessor " might be, John Symons always ; treated him with a respect that ] lie would never have shown to the mere representative of hoarded gains. Nelson has cause to mourn the loss of its citizen, whose place no one is able to fill. Particulars as to his death are as yet unknown., ■ the last letters from England, ■; dated the 18th of July, only : v stating that he was very ill.1 .', \ There are many who will read this announcement with a heart not , less sorrowful than that of the • writer, who without having had at any time the smallest business , 1 : transaction with .its subject, had ; , cpme to respect, more than that, to highly esteem, a true representative of England's commercial. . greatness.-— Colonist, Bejii- 7. The intelligence of Mr Symons'• death oast quite 4;gloom over Nelson. On Saturday and Monday, both at the Por« and in the City, the shipping and mercantile establishment! showed their rospeot far deceased in the customary manner. At other places in the Colony like respect was shown, and at Well%'Ai>\,cn, nil the vessels in hai'bor on Saturday had Siuieir flags halt-mast hi?h. ?$ Thanksgiving *jb Peaor.—On Sunday, Sept. I,' service*, forrthe'preservation of peace glwere held at Christ Churoh and All Saints' Churoh, ■when appropriate •ermani were preached.

ABBIVAIi OP THE HBLBN DeNNY, FROM LONDON. —This favorite Teasel was towed into harbor and berthed at the new Government' Wharf yesterday morning. She is still under the command of Capt. Ruth, with Mr Salmond as chief officer. Two passengers only, with the exoeption <'of; Mrs Bath 'and child', are on the list.' The passage ■ has been a Very pleasant one throughout, and turtle soup has been the rule and not the exception, as Captain Ruth-wag lucky enough to catch half a dozon of those -lusoious creatures. We have ? condensed - the following- report :— Towed from the < Bast' India Dock on May 18th", arid brought up at Gravesend* to take powder on -board; started again the following day, [with a strong sou-wester, which increased to a gilo, and anchorage-, was sought; in the Downs. On the j 21st the .wind moderated and went to the S.W., when the ship was got underweigh, and proceeded below Dungeness.- A heavy gale with cross tea; was then fallen in with, and Dungeness' roadstead was made for, and the anchor dropped until the 23rd, when a start was again made {landed the' pilot off the Isle of Wight on the 26th ; passed the Start on the 28tb, and the Lizards on the 30th; had fine weather across the Bay of Biscay, sighting Madeira on the 10th of June, and the Island of St. Antonio on the 20th; lost the N.E. trades on the 25th in 8 N.j lat. tvhen variables were experienced ;■ crossed the Equator on Ist of July, in meridian 27 W., with a strong sou-easter, which lasted to 21 S., when baffling winds were encountered; crossed the meridian of Greenwich in 33 S.; fine weather was then experienced, with the exception of a.few .hours, until near Cape Leuwin, when a westerly gale-came on, obliging the ship to haul to the wind.on.account of the heavy.sea; sighted Tasmania on .the; 25fb ult., and had a; fine run down, Making the land below West Wanganui on the 31st, and getting to anchorage in Blind Bay on Sunday -night.. The; Helen Denny brings a cargo of upwards of 1000 tons, 'a small portion being for Napier, to which port she proceeds from Nelson.— Colonist, September 3rd. SiD Case" <« Sudden Death.—-On1 Sunday, Ist September, shortly before 11 a,m,Mn Crboke, the wife of Mr T, 0. Crooke, of Vanguard street, war found dead in her room. -The deceased lady had retired in order to dress, prior to going to churchy and shortly afterwards Bhe was discovered by her husband lying on the floor, when life wai extinct. An inquest was held yesterday before Dr Boor, the coroner, and a jury touohing the • death', when in addition to the circumstances - attending this melancholy event, Dr Farrelle gave medical evidenoe as to the cause, ' which he attributed- to congestion of the brain, and a verdict was returned in accordance >vith the evidence. The deceased lady was mosb; active in all good work, was a constant visitor to those in sickness and distress, and never wearied in assisting in (he more arduous of church work. The loss to those who remain will be severely felt beyond the immediate circle of her own family and relatives,' but the rewards promised the charitable and just must, after the first deep' grief; prove most consoling, I and it may then be realised that their loss is her gain. > '. I Richmond. —A meeting was held at Tovey't Star nad Garter Hotel, Richmond,1 on Monday, 19th Aug., for the purpose of 'forming' a Volunteer b ire Brigade. Mr J. M. Crouoher hiving been called to bhe chair, called, upon Mr E. S Fnirey to state the object of the meeting, after which it was decided to form a Fire Brigade, to be called the' Richmond Volunteer Fire Brigade. Thirty-one names were enrol lod in the room, and others are expe'oted to join. Mr John Lammas and Mr W. D. Harknes* were appointed to canvas the district for subscriptions, and we have no doubt they will meet with suooes?, 'ig great interest is taken in the matter.' The following officers were appointed:—Captain, Mr. C. 3-apper; Lieutenant, Mr E. S. Fairey; Foreman of Hook and Ladder Company, Mr M. W. Lammas; Foreman No. 1 Hose Company, .Mr H.Webb; Foreman Fire Company, Mr T. J. Gibson ; Seorerary, Mr G. B. Hurst j Treasurer, Mr.. J. M. Oroucher. Nelson and Fox Hill RAiiWAY.—The following (able, showing the traffic on this line for the two last financial years, we compile from the Public Works Statement: — Year. Year. 1876-77 1877-78 Number of Ist class passengers 7,208 9,142 Numberof2nd class passengers 25,363 31,662 Number of season tickets ...... 23 142 j Total number of a passengers 32,576 40,811 . Number of trains 1,631 1,711 Total number of train miles... 33,413 34,006 Total* receipts from merchandise £1,791 £1,936 - Total earnings £6,209 £6.189 Total amount paid for wages... £4,230 £4,318 Total expenditure £5,490 £5,903 Weeok. —The schooner Merlin, bound from New Plymouth to Greyuiouth was totally wreoked on Stephen's Island on August 15th. The orew were brought to Nelson by the ps Wallace. An enquiry: has been held and the evidence forwarded to the Government. .Anothbb Nelson Coppeb Mine.—A preliminary meeting of gentlemen interested in the development of another copper lode, situated upon the property of Messrs Johnston Bros., in Anniseed Valley, was held at Mr Mabin's office on Tuesday night. Arrangements were made by which the interest in the lode was transferred to those willing to work the mine, the ore from whioh was stated to be of very good quality. It was decided to spend some £300 at once, in thoroughly testing the lode. Mr Thomas, a gentleman of very large experience, has the management ofthe undertaking, whioh we wish ev< ry sucesa. Messrs. Shabp and Piokbiii.\'<j offered for sale, by auction on Aug, 19, that valuable building tot containing two acres, the site of the late residence of James Watkins, Esq. There was a large attendance, and the bidding was very spirited. Tha first bid was £500, and this increased rapidly until the price reached £1225, at which sun it was knocked down to the Bishop of Nelson. The ruins of the dwellinghouse brought £105, and the stable £35. Telegraph to Golden Bay.—At a meeting at Takaka held on the 24th of August, over which Mr Packard, chairman of the County. Council, presided, the sum of £80 was subscribed towards the £100 guarantee required for an extension of the telegraph co Takaka and Collingwood. It was unanimously agreed that the best route for the telegraph was, via ftiwaka and the mountain range. The residents of Collingwood have also raised £50, therefore, we hope to hear of the Government immediately proceeding with this much needed work. Perhaps our M.H.R's will urge on its early completion. Mb John R. Mabin reports that at his sale at the Nelson Auction Rooms on Saturday, 24th -August, he disposed of that seotion of land situated at the corner of Hardy and Collingwood-streets, having a frontage of 230 links to Hardy-street and US feet to Colling wood-street, with the buildings thereon, comprising builder's workshop and shed, with office.' ■ The bidding oommenced at £800, and soon ran up to £800; after.that the bidding advanced at bids of £50, ending in bids of £25, when, after keen competition, it was purchased by Mr Francis Trask, for £975. The Nelson Cloth Mills.—These mills, inoluding the whole property in connection'with them, wore put up at auction on September 7, by Mr J. R. Mabin. The bidding quiokly ran to £1450, but then some hesitation was shown, and L ultimately the property was knocked down to Messrs T. .Harley and John Graham for the sum of £1525, 'Subject to a mortgage of £200. The purchasers, are to congratulated upon their bargain. Splendid Yield at thh Ltbll.—The last crushing at the Prospector's, (Eight mile) claim in Lyell district, yielded no less than , one hundred and seventy ounces pennyweights of melted gold from eight and a half tons of quartr, which' was taken from what is known as Potter's lead; : Nelson and Fox Hill Railway.—ln the figures given by the Minister for Public Works statement of the expenditure necessary to complete the Middle Island railways already authorised, appears, the following:—"Nelson arid 'Fox Hill,' 23,' miles, £39,000."! We suppose this is intended to complete the line both to Bell Grove and the Port.'. ?.J "< Twi* Foaib.—Mr H. Barnett's pream • jmare has, given birth to two fine, healthy looking .cqfts, their sire'being Messrs Twist and Gay's splendid horse Nimrod. One of the ooltt is ft oreim, the other being black.

KE-PJttiS.TED TELSGUUMS.; OPENING OF THE RAILWAY FROM CHRISTOHUROH TO DUNEDIN. •'' '' " ' Chbistohubch,'September 6. A grand banquet came off last night, wlien 200 guests were present. The Mayor of Ohristchurch was in the chair, supported on the right by His Excellency the Governor-jand the offijers of H,M.S. Nymphe, on the lnft by Messrs Stout and Fisher. His Excellency «aid in a few weeks he hoped there would bo complete railway communication between Amber' ley and Invercargill, making a'stretch of line opened up of 483 miles.. As a matter of fact, in proportion to population, there were within the timo more railways opened up in New Zaaland than in any other country in, the world (loud cheers). - The Hon. John flail, in proposing the, toast of " The Promoters of the Railway," oouplftd the nainoof Sir J". Vogel with that of Mr Moorliouae. The Chairman announced that it was proposed on the following day to send a telegram congratulating Sir J. Yogel upon the completion of,the railway between Ohristchuroh and Dunedin. The first through train to Dunedin left this morning at 6 o'olook. A very large party was on board, including the Governor, Members of both Houses of the Legislature, Mayors and City Councillors of Ghristohurch and Dunedin, and representatives of many other public bodies, and the Dunedin1 Railway Brass Band, which was also of the party, awoke the • . eohoes of the streets before six o'clock. The train was piloted by Mr W. Conyers, the Commissioner of - Railway*. ' DrJNEDIN, September 7. The opening of the Railway between Chrutchurcb. and Dunedin was most successfully accomplished yesterday. The ' total distance is about 230 mite?. The train left at 6 a.m and reached Dunedin at 6*30 p.m. All along the line, at the various townships , and villages flags, triumphal arches, and hearty cheers greeted the train throughout, and the greatest enthusiasm was exhibited, which culminated on its arriving hero, where the people assembled in thousands the, .volunteers in hundreds, and severil bands of music. The greater part of the city was brilliantly illuminated and there were rockets, bluo lights, and electric lights in profusion. The vice-regal party attended the Princess Theatre last night, where the Civil Service Club performed. « September 9. The Mayor's banquet to celebrate the opening of the Dunedin andChnstchuroh railway took place on Saturday night in Guthrie and Larnach's new building. The banqueting trail was 50 yards, long, and for grandeur of appearance was unsurpassed by anyithiog hitherto seen in Dunedin. The Miyor of Duneilin was in the chair. After the eustomury toasts bad been honored the bauquet broko up aoon after eleven. j. , AHiUEA ,Au;ju3t 23. \ Three valuable horses were drowned in endeavoring to cross the. Junction Groy. River. The driver, ■ IGeorge.Page, is a.yory steady man., ila had lo swim ashore and, with difficulty cacipad, und is now", icjnfinedto bed. . He had got over the first cro«m.j of the Grey River,,but on re.iohing the second i'or-l he found jt too high and tried* lo return, w uu liio current swept .the horses and dray do'wu the slivain,, and the dray is lost. Mr Alcorn ia proprietor of Mm horses and dray, and estimates his loss at £120. Page was engaged in drawing timber fey the G-roy Junction Bridge, for the erection of which tondeis were recently accepted by the. Government. The Grey ford is always, dangerous with the least fresh. . . A Hiuai, September f. John Loonan, a miner, bag been killed at Nelson Creek by a fall of earth. He was frightfully bruised, and death was instantaneous. He was highly respected throughout the Valley. ; . Wellington, August 24. The Steam Tramway was formally opened to-day by his Excellency the Marquis of Nornianby. The Company having issued a great many invitations, threo engines and fire large carriages were placed on tho line, the Governor and suite with members of ; the Legislative Couuoil occupying.the carriage of honor, and all the others were filled by citizens and their wives. The trip from Government House to the tramway station was most 'successful though nearly all the cabs in the city were continually driving with speed on both' sides of the tramway . carriages'..' About two hundred ladies and gentlemen sat down' to a champagne luncheon. His Excellency, in reply to a toast of bis health, expressed his surprise , at the rapid progress Wellington bad made during the last four years, and complimented it upon being the first city in the Australian colonies to venture upon the. experiment of' steam tramways. Mr Kenned j McDonald in returning thanks on behalf of the director said the line, engines, .and carriages, With other expenses had cost the Company £10,000, and 'that before they' put Wellington in complete tramway communication "they would have to spend another £60,000; The' day being very fine, the streets'along the line were crowded with people and the whole affair was considered a great success. Wellington, August 26. Three engines and three carriages have been running all day, the carriages being full each way. Over twelve hundred people travelled on the tramway up to 3 o'clock. Horses shied a little occasionally, but no accidents occurred Wellington, September 6. ' The Government received a telegram this afternoon re the recent murder of a Native woman near Waiapu:—" Gisborne—A messenger has just pome in from Waiapu, 'and reports that the prisoners have been arrested and are in readiness to be handed over to the polioe on arrival of the steamer. It is probable that two other prisoners will be oharged with rape," .' Foxton, September 5. The ketch . Huon Belle, Captain Kearns, from Wanganui to Greymouth, went ashore five miles north of Foxton at five this morning. A heavy gale f from the westward is blowing. All hands were saved. The vessel is in ballast. ■ ■ •" . Chbisiohubch, August 23. At a meeting of the Cathedral Guild last evening it was stated that a proposal had been made that one of the transept columns in the Cathedral should be . erected as a memorial to Bishop Selwyn. It, would probably cost £1000. Chbistohuboh, August 24. A painful case of destitution took plaoa at Ashburton where an old man, 64 years of age, lay without food among the flax in the river bed for three days. When discovered by the Sergeantjrf Police he was in the last stage of inanition. v " • . " CHBiSTOHtraoH, August 29. A fire occurred at 2 o'clock this morning by which the shops occupied by Mr Reid fishmonger, and Mr . Greston fruiterer, were totally destroyed. They belonged to Tilman and Ponsford. The buildings were insured for £300 in the Victoria. There were ; no insurances on the furniture, or stock, ; .„ : i Chbistohuboh, August 30. : A fire broke out in Manchester-street at five o'olook this morning, nearly opposite the site of the ■ fire of th« night before. . A strong wind was blowing at the time, and'four shops, were, destroyed before the flames were extinguished.. The insurances are :•— South British,' £1050. on the.stock.and furniture; Union Company, £100 on the pledges of Alexander, the pawnbroker; Londop and Lancashire, £300 oh the buildings; Victoria, £100 on the,stock of Green the draper; The other two shops ,are, occupied by Shannon, bookseller,' and Hyams, general. dealer.. ; The fire commenoed at the pawnbroker's, who was . absent at Timaru. He estimates his loss' at £800 over and above insurances. , There is some' suspioion of incendiarism. Chbibtchuboh, September 9. Four blocks of land in Canterbury, have been set , aside for sale under'the deferred payment'system. . consisting of 8000»oresiri all. v " , >" . , •".';" •■ . LiTIBLTON, September 2. .;..' '. Arrived- Pallala and1 Lutterworth ' from • „' ; Oho Pallila left London" on .May "21st. ."She is a,;"> . n'andsome1 new iron-barq'ue'unJ'consigned to the Now,.'■V ' ' •:', Company. The'''liiffterw'orth" is' chartered>r >y Shaw Saville & ,00. ~ .She ' brings" 18 .'passengers - { i'ud a full'cargo. She left Gravesend on May 18, • Had heavy weather in running down Her, easting j;. md on August 18 during a'-heavy' S.W. g'ile a .sea ; >roke oh board, smashed the 1 wheel and binnacle, broke the second offioer's leg, and v carried away one of the. boati and did other damage. When the vessel wm coming to the wind 4 the aoip being ho?«

_ rf ..,,.„,.,.. , -,- ~ |-1,,- i- ■■■■m I-'--- ■^■-■—-■■'■- tOj the upper main topsail y«d carried aw ay and two topiaile, mainsail, foresail, and staysail were split to ribbons. She had to lay to for It hours to ropair Cleared barque Columbus chartered by the N.Z.S. Company for Loudon with a cargo of wool, wheat, tallow, meats, aud gold valued at £47,500. Lxttbltox, September 6. The ship Soukar has cleared for London, with a cargo of wheat, wool, tallow, etc., valued at £31,400. Auckland, September 9. The schooner Wave of Life has arrived from Suwarrow. Samoan paper* report the flogging of a native for a drunken assault on a European, the native Judge stated it wa§ his intention to suppress all outrages on foreign residents in a similar way. TIMABTT, September 2. There w»s a terrific sea yesterday, and the barque Melroae, with 250 tons of coal aboard, was driven ashore. She broke up in tan minutes, and an hour after scarcely a vestige waa visible. Captain Kenny was much injured by floating timber, and is now in the hospital. One of the crew was drowned. The rest wero saved with difficulty. The brigantine Lapwing and ketch Falcon were also driven ashore, but not "broken up. The crews were saved. Short)} after five last evening the ketch Glimpse, which had been gradually drifting towards the shore at Caroline Bay, touched the beaoh about 300 or 400 yards off the brigautine Lapwing. Tlio rollers were breaking over her frightfully, smashing her foremast. She had been taking in 800 casks of preserved meat for Port Chalmers. Most probably all the cargo will be saved. The ketch Palmerston is still weathering it out, but drifted during last night. One body has been washed ashore. Subscriptions are to be raieed and an entertainment given on behalf of the distressed ieatnan. Timahtt, September 3. Tte following are additional particulars of the wrecks of the barque Melrose, biigantine Lapwing, and ketches Glimpse, and Fanny on September Ist:— 'Ihe saa was breaking on shore io terrific waves. On the Melroße, while drifting ashore, coming near the ketch Palmerston, some of the crew of that vessel jumped overboard. A rope was thrown to them irom the barque, and all succeeded in getting on board except one, who was drowned. Valuable assistance was rondered by tho spectators, and amongst them waa Mr Dudley Ward, iate Judge of the District Court, vi ho went intotbe serf and, through strenuous exertion", saved one of the crew. Captain Kenny wag brought ashore almost helpless, being dreadfully bruised by the floating timber. About an hour after the Melroie went aehore the ketch Fanny parted her cable and came ashore a short d; staoce north of the Government landing. Her crew landed without difficulty, being close in shore. At half-past two the brigantine Lapwing parted her cable and came ashore close to the railway viaduct in Caroline Buy. Tne crew got safely ashore. The brigantine is a very fine vessel, It is rumored that one man was killed on the ketch Palmerston, through the topmast falling on him. The sad scenes wer* witnessed by thousands of persons from the cliff. Shortly after five in the evening, the ketch Glimpie, wbioh bud been gradually drifting towards the shore at Caroline Bay, touched the beach about 300 or 400 yards from the brigantine Lapwing. Kollen are breaking over her frightfnil, smashing her foremast.