CHATHAM ISLAND NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4769, 9 October 1893, Page 3

CHATHAM ISLAND NEWS.

* (.FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Oct. 6. j Since the departure of the steamer in July la&t but little news has transpired. We have to record the death of Mr Eobert Kerr, which took place at his house on , August 18. He was buiied on his late property, the service being read by Mr Cox. A great number of people followed, the deceased being much respected by all classes. Death snatched another victim • in the person of Joseph Davis, a half-caste, on Sept. 25. He died of ! aneurism of the heart. The Church of : Epglaud burial service was read by Mr : W. Dayinond, in Maori. The news of the suspension 'of the New Zealand Loan and j Mercantile came upon us all with surprise. ' On Sept. 29 we had a severe gale from the ; south and south-west. It did considerable damage in the way of up-rooting trees, spring is upon us. Grass is springing and j trees budding. The Natives have been ! birding with their nsual buccbbb, from 1500 1 to 2000 birds being obtained. Great j sympathy is felt for Mrs Beamish in her sad affliction. The news of the death of ! her daughter has completely unnerved her. It . fell with stunning force upon us all, and cast a gloom over the Island which has not yet disappeared. The deceased young lady was admired and respected by all. I hear we are at last to have the ministrations of a clergyman among us. Very many of us will be glad should it be bo; for though service is regularly held in St Augustine's Church by the lay reader, yet — and without any disrespect to the gentleman who conducts the servicesit cannot be denied that a clergyman will be in many ways to be preferred. Baptisms will be duly looked after and marriages can be solemnised in the church instead of, as hitherto, in the Eegistrar's office. Let me conclude with wishing you the compliments of the season. (If I don't do it now I shall not have another opportunity.) '