OBITUARY.

Timaru Herald, Volume CI, Issue 15399, 16 July 1914, Page 9

OBITUARY.

MR P. W. HUTTON, Yesterday, at his Borne in Nolson Terrace, Mr P. W. Hutton, who for well nigh, half a century has been a well known figure in Tiniaru, passed to his rest. Mr Hutton came to Tiraaru in 1866, and was the founder of the business which, is still carried on under the name of "P. YV. Hutton and Co. "Mr Htvtton has thus been identied with our town since- its early day*, and,although not taking a public part in. civic affairs, has been keenly interested in everything pertaining to its growth and progress even to tihe last. His chief energies were thrown into Church work, to which he gave unstinted, time arid thought. In 1868 he was chosen as one of the first eiders of Trinity Presbyterian Church, and devoted himself whoie-hcai-tedly to the discharge of the duties of that office until compeiied to relinquish it a few years ago through failing health and advancing years. He was also session clerk for a long period. In tho early davs when the Rev. Geo. Barclay was the oniv Presbyterian minister between the Rangitata and the Waitaki, and able to hold morning service only in Timaru. Mr Hutton used frequently to take the evening service. "With his devoted wife he. also engaged in Sunday School work, and took services in Cullmanntown, and the other outlying districts in connection with Trinity Churdb. He was ever ready to assist the various ministers m the Presbytery by officiating tor them and his services were always highly appreciated. Ho'was deeply interested in work among the Maoris, and was in ; the habit of driving out to the Pah at Arowhenua and con" ducting service there.

Mr Hufcton was a man of warm and gerasrous nature, and. was possessed of great, kindliness of heart. * Once his sympathies were enlisted on behalf of any needy cause or individual he spared neither time nor expense in his efforts to help. When he could he preferred to. help quietly ■ and unostentatiously, and very many whom he assisted never knew who their benefactor was. . Mr Hutton's counsel and help were always at- the disposal of the successive ministers of Trinity Church, who regarded him as one of the most loval and steadfast friends. He will "be missed by many who will long vtmemb'er him as a shining example of a successful Christian merchant and truehearted friend. Ho is survived bv h r s daughter and brother, Mr J." A. Hutton, to whom the sympathy of a largo circle of friends will go- 'out in their time of grief.