DEATH OF W. T. SWAN.

Thames Advertiser, Volume VIII, Issue 1995, 17 March 1875, Page 2

DEATH OF W. T. SWAN.

We regret to have to record the demiso of William Turnbuli Swan, one of the members of the Provincial Council for this district, which took place at his lodgings in Symonds-street, Auckland, at a late hour on Monday. The announcement will doubtless be received by his many friends at the Thames with considerable surprise, -his death being both sudden and unex> pected. It appears that he was out for a walk in the afternoon, and when ho returned to his lodgings he was seized with an apoplectic fit, which resulted in his death at ten o'clock the same night, notwithstanding all (hat- medical skill could do for him. Dra Stockwell and Goldsboro' were in constant attendant upon deceased from the time attacked, and did all they could to restore the patient, but without avail. The deceased came to this colony about thirteen ■ years ago from Birwhere his- father occupies a highjposition as minister of a dissenting congregation in that large . town. 'Mr Swan, it may be remarked, was the originator of the popular copy books bearing his name, which have had such a run in all. the 'National Schools in the United Kingdom, and'.it was, in consequence of the failure ( of his publishers alter, extensive .transactions, that he became himself, involved, and resolved to come out to N.ew Zealand in opposition to the earnest wishes. of his friends. Mr Swan was possessed of considerable ability as' a politician and speaker, and was well read on all questions affecting the welfare of.this young: colony. This ability he turned: to,good account: in the early days of the Thames goldfield, when ■ he was returned to the House of Bepresentativesas the membei'for, this.electoral district, although it was only in'response . to the general wishes of his many friends . on the field that he was induced . to contest the . honour with W, T. ; Buckland, Esq, Han did representative for , the "Franklyn' division. Prior to the opening of the Thames, Mr Swan was engaged in commercial pursuits. He was a confidential clerk in the - Mercantile house of W. J. Young W Co., Queen-street, Auckland. ; At the time of his death he was one of the representatives in ( the A uckland Provincial Council for the Thames district. When the Thames was in its infancy, Mr Swan was'the principal means of organising an Improvement Committee, which . held weekly meetings in'.his place of business, to consult as, to the bestmeansofguarding the'interests and .promoting the" welfare of the infant township. Deceased was a a member of the Masonic body I ,' and was in his'47th year: '