DEATH OF AN OLD RESIDENT.

Colonist, Volume XXX, Issue 4788, 21 April 1887, Page 6 (Supplement)

DEATH OF AN OLD RESIDENT.

We regret to hear of the death of Mr Alex. Hunter, an old and respected resident of Nelson. He was bom in Stirling, Scotland, . and he arrived in this city in the year 1842,' with his father, the late Mr Ratek Hunter, his brother, .Mr WftViam Hunter of the Central Buller^and their sister. As a young man tho^deeeased worked with his father, who>was the firet watchmaker and jeweller in J^-elson, and in 1851 Mr Alex. Hunter proceeded^ Lyttelton,- then the principal place in Canterbury, and commencing business there, was. the first watchmaker who followed bis business in the Canterbury Province. A year later the excitement of the gold discoveries in Victoria induced Mr Hunter to leave for Melbourne, and he remained there for two years, returning here in 1854 From that time forth fee followed his business in Nelson, for a. time with his father, who joined the majority, we believe, in the year 1861, later by himself, and more recently with the aid of hia sons. Of a kindly and sympathetic nature, Mr Alex. Hunter was never without staunohfriends, whilsthis onu generous character induced him not merely to listed to those in need of a helping hand. For a period of over thirty years he was an Odd-Fellow, and in his more energetic and prosperous days he took considerable interest in the welfare of the Order, and in extending its benefits. He also was a member of the Masonic brotherhood. For the past two years fit all events his,, health has been failing, and yesterday, at the age of 54, he succumbed to his malady—consumption of the liver. He leaves a widow "and considerable family— hirteen in all, though all but five are grown up,—and with these there will be a wide■pread feeling of sympathy in their heavy bereaYment.—• Colonist,' March 25. .