Obituary.

Taranaki Herald, Volume L, Issue 12452, 5 January 1904, Page 7

Obituary.

United l-'ress Association. — By Elect rid Telegrapii. — Copyright. A COiWEDEKATE GENERAL. Received January 3. 9.17 a.m. &e\v York. January -1. Ol)ituary : Ciencral James LOJI3btreet, a notable Confederate Central, iv his 83rd j-ear. HON. W. G. WALKER. Wellington, January ."). Advice has been received here that the Hon. W. C. Walker, Speaker of tho Legislative Council, died at Ohristchurch at 2.30 this morning of heart disease. MR C. D. WHITCOitfUE. There was much regret expressed when it became known in town that Mr C. D. Whitcombe had died somewhat suddenly at his residence, Eliot-street, yesterday afternoon. He had been suffering from diabetes for some time, but was able to get about. He complained of feeling bad yesterday, and passed quietly away before his daughter could get medical aid. The deceased goutlcman was intimately associated with the history of the town and district, being for years Secretary to the Provincial Council and liter Commissioner of Crown Lands and Sheriff. Then he went- to Auckland, and thence to the Islands, where for some years he acted as private secretary to King George of Tongatabu. During his varied career, Mr Whitcombe did a lot ol writings were always interesting, leader writer for the Auckland Herald as well as a contributor to other journals. He had considerable general "knowledge, and liis writings were always interesting, albeit at times he wielded a caustic pen. In his early days Mr Whitcombe served with Garibaldi v Italy, and o'\ coming to New Zealand joined the Taranaki Milita.ry Settlers. He" saw active service, and was one of those who volunteered to go to the White Cliffs to bring in the bodies of the Rev. John WhjU'eley ttul .Mr Gasgoigne after the, murders which caused such consternation in town. When thing's settled down, he became, as mentioned above, Prov/ncial Secretary, the late Mr F: A. Carringtcm being at the time Superintendent. Mr Whitcoirfßc's knowledge of Island effairs was considerable, and we remember listening to a very interesting lecture on the subject which he delivered shortly after his return to New He was 68 years of age a,t the time of his death. His father was the late Captain Thomas Whitcombe, and he was a grandson of Sir Thomas Whitcombe, a celebrated lawyer. He leaves a wife, and several children, as well as two brothers — Messrs S. F. Whitcombe (District Traffic Manager of Railways) and George Whitcombe (of the firm of Whitcombe and Tombs, of Wellington and Christchurch) to mourn their loss. Deceased was much liked by a large circle of friends, wlio will regret to hear of his sudden death. Mrs Whitcombe was in Wangauui at the time of Mr Whitcombe's death and was wired for. An inquest was held at the deceased's late residence at noon today before Mr Stanford, S.M., and a jury. Dr. Fookes gave evidence that death was the result of disease of the hearty which was indeed in such a diseased .state that it was remarkable that death had not occurred long ago. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.