OBITUARY.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue X, 28 August 1897, Page 303

OBITUARY.

A CABLEGRAM last Thursday announced the death of a recent governor of New Zealand, Sir William Jervois. No particulars are as yet to hand. Sir William was apparently driving out, and met with an accident which was so severe as to cause his death the following day. He was at the time staying at Bitterne Court, Hampshire. Much regret is expressed throughout the colony at the sad intelligence, for as a Governor Sir William Jervois was decidedly popular from the time of his appointment in 1883 till his retirement in 1889. He succeeded Sir Arthur Gordon, and was followed by Lord Onslow. Owing to the delicate health of Lady Jervois (whom he married in 1850) there were considerably fewer entertainments at Government House than has been the case recently, the two Misses Jervois being naturally much with their mother, and neither caring greatly for social gaieties. One of the sons is a High Church clergyman, who introduced special Lenten services at St. Paul’s, Auckland, whilst the family was in autumn residence at Government House. During his Governorship of South Australia, one of his daughters married the Rev. W. A. Purey-Cust, son of the Dean of York. Lady Jervois died in England a few years ago. Sir William Jervois, son of the late General William Jervois, was born at Cowes, Isle of Wight, September 10th, 1821. He began military life when be was eighteen years old with the Royal Engineers. He was stationed at the Cape in Kaffraria from 1841 to 1848, during which time he made a military map of Kaffraria, and later made another map of the country between Natal and Cape Colony. He spent three years after this (1852 to 1855) at Alderney arranging fortifications on that island. He was next engaged, under the war office, in various extensive British fortification works. He was nominated a Civil C.B. in 1863, and went to Canada and adjacent British possessions to report on their defences. The following year found him in conference with the Canadian Government re their defence works, his proposals being ultimately carried out. In 1865-6 Sir William was engaged in the work he was now so familiar with at Gibraltar and Malta. India and British Burmah were the next scenes of his labours, and finally he was rewarded by the post of Governor of the Straits Settlements in 1875. Still his advice on matters of defence was too valuable to be shelved altogether, so he was sent to the Australasian Colonies to see what scheme of defence for their ports could be arranged with the various Governments. In 1877 he was appointed Governor of South Australia, where he was generally very popular. Afterwards he was appointed to New Zealand, and, with his customary energy, devoted bis talents to the defence works of this colony. To him are owing the plans of the batteries and forts at Dunedin, Lyttelton, Wellington, and Auckland. Sir William also recommended the formation of an Auxiliary Australian squadron, which suggestion was happily carried out.

The latest news of the sad accident to Sir William Jervois is that he was being driven by a lady in a dogcart, and that the horse shied and bolted. The exGovernor was thrown out of the trap, striking heavily the kerbstone. His death resulted a few hours afterwards.

Mr John Irwin Hart, aged 66 years, who was accidentally killed by a fall from his horse when returning to his home at Canvastown from attending a Hospital Board meeting at Picton, was formerly teacher of the Canvastown school. Since his retirement from his scholastic duties he has taken an active part in the welfare of the district. As a member of the Pelorus Road Board he was eminently useful, and as member of the Hospital Board he tried to do his duty, which is all that an ordinary mortal can do. The news of his death was received with deep regret all over the district, and his family have the sympathy of all who know them.

Mrs Mary Blaymires, 77 years old, another old resident of Picton, has gone over to the Golden Shore. Mrs Mary Blaymires was one of the oldest residents of Picton, arriving in the district at the time of the separation from Nelson. She was always a much respected member of the community. Of late years she has been residing with her daughter, Mrs Bary, at Renwicktown, and passed peacefully away in her sleep on Wednesday last. For her relatives in Picton and the district much sympathy is felt.