OBITUARY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LIX, Issue 9933, 1 August 1908, Page 5

OBITUARY.

MR JAMES RUSSELL,

Death has claimed yet another of Masterton's pioneer settlers, iv the person of Mr James linssell, one of tho oldest and most respected resideuts of the district. Despite lils old age—lie had passed his eighty-third birthday—the deceased was full of life, aud enjoyed comparatively good health up till a few. days ago. He took rather ill on Wednesday last, an old internal trouble coming back to him, and yesterday his medical adviser, Dr Ross, considered his condition serious enough to have him removed to the Hospital to undergo au operation. The old gentleman went through a rather serious operation apparently satisfactorily, but shortly afterwards ho collapsed suddenly, and expired. Two years ago he underwent' treatment at the old Hospital for the same comi)laiufc, but he made a rapid recovery, and enjoyed immunity from illuess until quite recently. . .

The late Mr Russell was born in;.the village of Beckley, iv Sussex: (England), aud left his native shores for the Antipodes over fifty-five years ago. He landed in Australia, but after a short residence in that country crossed to New Zealand, and took up his residence in Wellington.- Very shortly afterwards ho removed to Mastertou, where lie lias lived since. Many years ago lie was a prominent figure in local politics, being for some years a member of the Borough Council, in the constitution of the municipality the debased gentleman having taken au active part. He also occupied :;hy post of Borough Engineer, and miiiy. of the works constructed under his.. supervision are standing to this d" v .vIn his professional capacity of architect he was also of material assistance in the development aud progress of the early settlement of Mastertou. A uromiueut trait in his personality was his knowledge and enthusiasm as a horticulturist, and it was characteristic of the deceased to be very rarely seen "Abroad without a choice bouquet in the coat, his product of his wellkept garden iv Waltou-avenue. Iv mauy ways Jig was one of Masterton's most prominent citizens iv the early days, but of late years he has confiued himself chiefly to the seclusion of his cottage. On occasions of importaut locaf gather ings he always managed, however, to be present, despite his declining years, and there are few who were present at the opening of the Renall-Solway Home by the late Mr Seddou, on his last visit to Mastertou, prior to his fatal trip to Australia, who will forgot'the presence of "Lord John" Russell, as he was familiarly known, and the desiro of Mr Seddon to be photographed in his company. He was last seen out at the opeuiug of the new Congregational Church about a fortnight ago, and even then ho appeared to bo enjoying excellent health.

The deceased leaves a widow, but no family, aud his only other direct relative in Masterfcou is his brother, Mr Godfrey Russell.

The funeral will leave the Hospital at 2.30 p.m. to-morrow.