WEST COAST NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16829, 4 September 1922, Page 5

WEST COAST NEWS.

(Special to the ” Star.”) GREYMOUTH. September 3

THE I/ATE ROBERT RTTSSKLB. The death occurred early on Saturday of a well-known West Coaster, Mr Robert Russell, licensee of the Park Hotel, Grevmouth. Deceased was bom at Dumbarton (Scotland). He had been in ill-health for some time, and his death was not unexpected. He was sixty-three years of age. He arrived in Auckland about forty years ago. but the greater part of his life was spent iri Brunner and Grevmouth. He was formerly a coal miner, and one of the promoters of the Wall send Mine, in which he held an interest until his death. For the last thirty-five years Mr Russell was a hotel-keeper, and was a prominent member of the Licensed Victuallers’ Association, of which he was president for some years. He was looked on by those ,connected with the trade ns an ideal leader. In the early davs at Brunner deceased took a great interest in athletics, and was also a verv prominent bandsman, being conductor of the Brunner Band tor years. He was a splendid cornet player, and participated in band contests throughout. New Zealand for about eight years. The late .Air Russell was mayor of Brunner and later was chairman of the Grevmouth Harbour Board for about three years. He was also a well-known Druid, being present at the opening of the Brunner Lodge, of which he was the first past district president. He loaves a widow, two sons and two daughters. The daughters are Miss Thelma Russell (of the nursing staff of the Grey River Hospital) and Mrs H. Gage (Temawhai). The sons are Mr R. Russell (Railwav Department. Taumarußui) and Mr J. Russell (Railwav Department, Grevmouth). The funeral will take place to-morrow. R UGBY FOOTBALL. About £l5O has been subscribed for \ the tour of the West Coast represen- | tative team, which will play Nelson on j September 16 for the Seddon Shield, i The money has been raised among busi- | ness men and prominent residents of j the district, as well as many sports generally. PERSONAL. Mounted-Constable J. Wilson, who underwent a serious operation at the Grey River Hospital yesterday, is re ported to he progressing as well as can be expected. The operation was successful. but the patient is yet in a dangerous condition.