IN MEMORIAM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3760, 4 May 1880, Page 3

IN MEMORIAM.

Perhaps no man in Canterbury over ba--came endeared to so wide a circle of friends, ■as William Francis Neilson, who passed away from us on Sunday, at the early ago of .29. Imbued with a rarely gentlo nature, ho attracted and fascinated all with whom ho came in contact. Generous to a fault, he thought not of himself, his sensitive and sympathetic nature making him invariably study the feelings of otherß, and his constant aim was to shield his friends from annoyance or pain. Wilh ladies ho was an especial favourite, being the acme of chivalry and gentleness. For all, he had a kind word aud a pleasant smile, and ho will indeed be missed by everyone who knew him. It seems but the other day, that joyous, happy, lighthearted Neilson waa amongst us, taking the lead with untiricg energy in the oports or amusements of the day, and his place will not readily be filled. As an adept m all manly English field sports, ho was our "Admirable Crichton " and will long be roaaembered aa the successful captain -of our cricketers, as ■well aa the best amateur billurd-playcr in New Zealand, while with his gun, or at lawn tennis, quoits, &c, &c, he had vory few peers, j On the turf, and more especially at our Hunt Club meeting?, his blue and whi'.e hoops ■were the popular colours of the day. In Timaru ho was a very general favourite, being beloved and almost idolised by his genuine Southern friends. Perhaps no greater sjmjpathy could be shown for anyone than what has been invariably expressed for him, in the simple but touching tribute to his memory of "Poor Neilson, how we shall miss him." G. G. S.