Death of fireman Hillier.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4761, 3 August 1883, Page 3

Death of fireman Hillier.

♦ A MELANCHOLY OOOUBBENOB. The Christchureh Fire Brigade has just austained a great loss by the death of one of its most active and prominent members, Mr A. W. Hillier, assistant engineer cf the steamer " Extirguieher," and Seoretary to the Brigade. Mr Hillier, who was only about 30 years of age, was connected with the Brigade for nearly 10 years, and filled the office of Secretary for a long period. His death was the result of an accident which occurred to him on the occasion of the false alarm of Are on Sunday last, when, after having jrottiy exerted himself, he fell off the engine,

and, it is supposed, caused an old rupture to give way. He did not make any oomplaint till about two o'olook on the morning after the alarm, when he beoame so ill that he had to be removed to the Hospital. Here it was found necessary to perform an operation to reduoe the rupture, but medical skill was unavailing, and he gradually sank, dying at four o'olook this morning. It is to bo regretted that he leaves a wife and four young ohildren totally unprovided for. A feeling of deep grief prevails among the members of tho brigade at tho untimely death of their com* rade, whioh they consider, and with justice, to be in Bomo degree due to the worse than foolish conduct of the individual who gave the alarm, in responding to whioh Mr Hillier met with the acident whioh occasioned the rupture of which he died. Hiß body is to receivo a fireman's funeral on Sunday next.