A LOVER OF NATURE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19843, 18 May 1927, Page 6

A LOVER OF NATURE

DEATH OF MR. W. ASHWELL RESPECTED CITIZEN PASSES. Wanganui is considerably poorer by the death of Mr. William Ashwell, who died suddenly yesterday at the age of 65 years. Tn the beautification of the reserves of the city, and Virginia Lake in particular, Mr. Ashwell’s good work stands as a memorial to his enthusiasm and enterprise expended in the citizens’ welfare. Mr. Ash well came to Wanganui in .1902, and being a keen naturalist and lover of open spaces, he became one of the Beautifying Society’s most energetic workers, being a foundation member. Practically all his spare time was spent in working-bees at Virginia Lake, and right up to the time of his death he maintained a lively and practical interest in that picturesque reserve on St. John’s Hill. To the bird life on the lake he also devoted considerable time. In the erection of the Soldier’s Memorial in Queen’s Park Mr. Ashwell was a most prominent worker, and it was chiefly owing to the enthusiasm displayed by him that a memorial, easily accessible, was erected on that site. As a student and lover of art, Mr. Ashwell was widely known, and his poems, and songs set to music by local musicians were frequently used at notable public gatherings. 11 Peace With Honour,” a song sung at the first peace celebration in .1918 was^written by Mr. Ashwell and set to music by Mr. J. L. Beck. Several paintings by Mr. Ashwell were displayed in the Sarjeant Art Gallery. Mr. Ashwell leaves a widow.