MR GEORGE CHAPMAN.

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 13020, 8 February 1911, Page 6 (Supplement)

MR GEORGE CHAPMAN.

(From "The Colonist," Jan. 31.)

The death occurred with distressing suddenness yesterday morning of Mr George Chapman, Superintendent of the Mental Hospital. It appears that Mr Chapman had risen as usual, ami after having a cup of tea, went to the bathroom. Shortly afterwards Mrs Chapman's attention was attracted by a peculiar sound, and on going to tlie bathroom she found her husband lying unconscious in the bath. Mr Chapman was immediately removed from the bath, and Dr Mackay quickly arrived in response to an urgent summons, but though efforts to restore animation were continued for a long time they were unavailing. Mr Chapman was apparently in good health when he rose in the morning, and the news of his untimely death caused a painful shock to the community. Some time ago he suffered from heart trouble, and as Dr Mackay, who then attended him, lias given a certificate that death was due to a recurrence of that malady, an inquest will not be held.

Since Mr Chapman had been in charge of tho Mental Hospital he had won general esteem. A most capable and conscientious officer, his management of the hospital has been extremely successful, and to his industry and thoughtfulness were due many innovations making for the comfort and contentment of the patients. During Mr Chapman's administration the Nelson Mental Hospital became an important institution, patients being sent to it from a much wider area than it was originally intended to servo. Extensive additions to the buildings were consequently necessitated, and recently accommodation was_ provided for a large number of additional inmates. The reports- of visitors, official and otherwise, have always borne testimony to Mr Chapman's capacity and the great tact and kindliness he displayed in dealing with the afflicted creatures in his charge. By the patients and staff alike he was held in the highest esteem, and bis death is a severe loss to tho institution and the service.

Mr Chapman's sterling qualities made him very popular in the city, and he will be greatly missed by those with whom he was brought in contact in connection with various societies. He was a prominent member of All Saints' Church, and had been for some years tho vicar's churchwarden. An enthusiast in his love of flowers, he was a valued member of the local Horticultural Society, and in the beautiful grounds surrounding the Mental Hospital his hobby found full scope. Mr Chapman was also a member of the Savage Club and the Nelson Bowling Club. Mr Chapman leaves a widow and a daughter and two sons, with Thorn in their bereavement general sympathy will be felt. ' -

Feb. 2, The funeral of the late Mr George Chapman took place yesterday morning. The civil service was represented by all the local heads of departments, and Mr Soutar, from the Wellington office of the particular department in which Mr Chapman held office. The gathering of business and professional men was thoroughly representative, and the vestry of All Saints' Church, of which Mr Chapman was a member, also attended. The Yen. Archdeacon Baker conducted the service, and the pall-bearers wore three of the staff of the Mental Hospital, and Messrs R. P. Giblin. O. Burford, and V. H. Trask. A number of beautiful wreaths were forwarded, and the family were the recipients of a large nuinbpi- of messages of condolence from all parts of the Dominion.

On the motion of Councillor Hampson the City Council last night placed on record its regret at the untimely death of Mr George Chapman. Superintendent of the Mental Hospital, and ordered that a letter of condolence be

fprwarded to Mrs Chapman and .family. The mover remarked that Mr Chapman was peculiarly qualified for tho position he held, and his death was a great loss to the Department.