DEATH OF MR F. J. BLUNDELL.

Colonist, Volume XXXIV, Issue 7043, 20 June 1891, Page 3

DEATH OF MR F. J. BLUNDELL.

It was with deep sorrow we learnt yesterday morning that Mr. Francis Jas. Blundell had passed away, after a short illness. The deceased gentleman had for over twenty years occupied the position of editor of the « Evening Mail,' and he was well known and respected throughout the whole district. He was, too, one of the earlier settlers, and had experienced* many of the hardships of early Colonial lite, although he arrived in Nelson whilst still a youth. Bom in Somersetshire, he was educated at Bath, and in 1851 he left the Old Country, with his parents, and arrived in Nelson on Christmas Day of the year mentioned. Shortly after his arrival here, the late Captain F. H. Blundell, of the 11th Light Dragoons, purchased land at Waimea West, and that gentleman's eldest son, whose death we now deplore, soon became initiated into the art of driving bullocks, for horses and carriages were then unknown on the rough track, which was the forerunner of the present good road, After a time, Mr Francis James Blundell took up a sheep run in the Wairau, where he experienced further hardships, and his recollections of this period in his career were not unpleasant. Subsequently he accepted the position of Clerk of Committee of the House of Representatives, and it was • there he acquired the art of reporting. It was about the year 1868 that he became editor of our evening contemporary, a position he continued to hold with credit till the time of his death. A fortnight ago last night he was attending a meeting of the City Council, but the cold he was then suffering from took a more severe hold, and inflammation of the lungs set in. Until Thursday it was understood that he was progressing favorably, but on Thursday night he grew worse, and at 20 minutes past ten yesterday morning death triumphed. His work a3 a journalist is well-known, and his social virtues .were such that he enjoyed the friendship of a large circle of friends, by whom he will be greatly missed. He took a keen interest in all matters appertaining to his Church, and for many years was a Churchwarden of the Cathedral Church of the Diocese, his efforts on behalf of which will not soon be forgotten. The tribute paid to his memory by the representatives of the citizens at the meeting of the City Council last night gives further evidence of the esteem in which he was held, and we can add no more, save to say that hia Worship the Mayor, who is at present in Wellington on Municipal business, telegraphed last night endorsing the general feeling. He said : " Truly sorry to hear of the death of Mr Blundell— one so much respected. His loss will be greatly felt." The deceased gentleman had never married, but he leaves a widowed mother and numerous relatives, with whom we deeply sympathise in their great sorrow.