DEATH OF MR. W. BEALE

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 7168, 11 September 1886, Page 2

DEATH OF MR. W. BEALE

We regret to have to record the death of another of our old settlers, in the person of Mr. W. Beale, who expired very suddenly on Friday night. It saems that tho deceased and Mrs, Beale had been spending the evening at Mrs. Cholwill'i. On their way home, at about ten o'clock, Mr. Beale was overcome with a faintness in Devonstreet, between Mrs. Perry's private residence and shop, and he clung to tho fence, and asked to be taken somewhere so that he could sit Jdown. Mrs. Perry at this moment came to his aid, and brought him a chair. Mr. E. Humphries, jun., and young Mr. Gruickshank happened to pass at tha time. Oruickshank went for a cab, while Humphries went for Dr. Leatham, Dr. Leatham was quickly in attendance, and, seeing that Mr. Beale -was in a state of utter collapse, hastened away to procure a stimulant. Ha returned at about the same time that the cab * arrived. Dr. Leatham, Mr. and Mrs. Beale, and Mr. E. Humphries, jun., then drove to deceased's residence. Deceased had become so low by this time that ho had to be carried ia. He was placed on his bod, and restoratives were applied without avail. The unfortunate gentleman gradually sank, and in a quarter of an hour expired.

We learn from Dr. Leatham that the cause of death was fatty degeneration, of the heart. Deceased hal a similar attack during tho week, but ii being slight he had rallied. Ho had also been in a critical condition about a year ago from the aaine cause, and was fully aware that ho was \raa liable to bo taken off suddenly. The deceased had been in New Plymouth about twenty years. He was somo time with Mr. Gilmour, aud then left and set up business on his own account. Mr. Beale had always taken an interest in public affairs, and among other services rendered to the town, he was for a time a member of. the Borough Council. He was a prominent member'of the Manchester Unity of Odd Fellowe, and was connected with the Masonic Order in Mew Plymouth Deceased had no family. Mr. Beale's genial disposition and cordial manner ensured for him a very large circle of friends, and the news of his death this morning caused quite a gloom in business circles and the town generally.