OBITUARY

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue XIV, 25 September 1897, Page 427

OBITUARY

BELOW is a photo of the late Mr Payne, who for several years was Treasurer to the Auckland Municipality. The late gentleman fell into illhealth some time ago, and on the recommendation of the doctors took a trip to London. While there he underwent a painful operation, from the effects of which he never rallied, but became weaker and weaker, till he eventually passed away on the sth inst., in spite cjf the efforts of the best medical skill in London. He was 45 years of age at the time of his death. Mr Payne passed through a varied experience in the Colonies. He arrived in Victoria as a child with his parents nearly forty years ago, and when a youth drifted over to the goldfields of the South Island. He afterwards pursued the same vocation at the Thames in its best days, and later went to Queensland, where he engaged in station work for a few years. Returning again to Auckland, he

entered the City Council office as a clerk, and eventually rose to the responsible position of Treasurer. As Treasurer he carried out the duties of his office courteously and with independent integrity, finding time during all those years of hard work to cultivate and kindred subjects. Music had his whole heart, and his strongest ties were towards those who reigned nearest the divine art. Mr Payne was a prominent and respected member of the Auckland Bowling Club, and amongst others represented that Club in all the intercolonial tournaments for many years past. Through his untimely death the Club has lost one of its best members. His aged mother, with vain hopes of being near him, sailed by the ‘Tongariro ’ from Wellington just four days before the sad news was cabled here of his death.

Mr John Shaw, an old and respected resident in New Plymouth, died somewhat suddenly on Tuesday afternoon, September 14th. The deceased gentleman bad ap-

patently not been ailing, though rather infirm. He had lunched somewhat heartily on the day of his death, and partaken of some new cheese, and then went into the garden. Feeling faint, he returned to his room and lay down on a sofa, complaining of a fearful weight upon his chest, but putting the cause down to dyspepsia. He, however, got worse, and Dr. Leatham was sent for, but before he arrived Mr Shaw had ceased to live. It would appear that the old gentleman died from a failure of the heart’s action. Mr Shaw was born on December 12th, 1827, in England, and came to New Zealand in 1853 in the barque ' Sir Edward Paget,’ being a fellow passenger with the late Mr Justice Richmond, Sir Harry Atkinson, and Mr and Mrs Theophilus White, the last named being his sister. Mr Shaw landed in New Plymouth on August 16th of that year, and took up land at Omata, where he commenced to farm. When the natives broke out into rebellion in iB6O Mr Shaw and his family were driven into New Plymouth, and his house was burnt and his property destroyed by the Maoris. Mr Shaw then had to take part in the fighting, and was present at the engagement at Mahoetahi, when the natives were routed with great loss. Mr Shaw was twice married. By his first wife, who died thirty-two years ago, he had two sons, Mr W. J. and Mr S. W. Shaw, and by his second wife, who died nearly seven years ago, Mr C. B. Shaw. The deceased gentleman, who was much respected, was of a very retiring disposition, and has led for some years a very quiet life.

The death of Mr James Stephenson Hempton, eldest son of Captain Hempton, late Town Clerk of the borough of New Plymouth, took place at his brother-in-law’s (Mr W. L. Newman) residence on September 14th. Mr Hempton was born in iB6O, and having a liking for the sea, entered that profession as a youth, following it up till he obtained a master’s certificate. He was for many years an officer on board a cable-laying steamer, but latterly was second officer of the Union Company’s steamer ’Mararoa.’ A short time since Mr Hempton caught a severe cold, which settled on his lungs and developed into consumption, from which he died. About the beginning of the month he came to New Plymouth for a spell, but the insidious disease had such a hold of him that he rapidly sank under it, dying on September 14th at the age of 37 years. The deceased was married to a sister of the late Mr W. Wildman, of Auckland, whom he leaves with three children to mourn their loss. He was very much esteemed by all who knew him.

An old settler aged 91 years, named Joseph Hart, died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs John Putt, senr., at Moturoa, Taranaki, recently. Mr J. Hart was born at Wooleigh, Devonshire, in 1806, and was one of the pioneer settlers who came to New Plymouth in the ship ‘ Timandra,* landing there on February 24th, 1842. The deceased was a farmer, and with the exception of an occasional visit to Canterbury to two of his sons who are living there, he has never left the district he originally settled in. Mr J. Hart left four sons and two daughters, and 48 grand children, 88 great grand children, and two great-great grand children, making a total of 144 descendants. His daughters are Mrs John Putt, senr., of Moturoa, and Mrs Samuel Rogers, of Bell Block, and his sons are Mr Joseph Hart, of Okato, Mr Robert Hart, New Plymouth, and two others who are settled in Canterbury.

Last week there passed away at Fendalton, Christchurch, Mr Thomas Denniston, father of Mr Justice Denniston, of Christchurch. Mr Thomas Denniston was one of the early colonists, the greater part of his time having been spent in Invercargill. He leaves three sons all holding responsible positions in Dunedin, Wellington, and Invercargill, and one daughter, married in Invercargill. In the beginning of the year Mr Denniston had a serious illness, but as soon as he could be moved was brought up to the Rhodes’ Convalescent Home in the hope the bright clear air on the hills would quickly restore him, but such was not the case, and a month or so ago he was removed to Mr Justice Denniston’s residence, Fendalton, and gradually sank, having passed the allotted span.

A very old resident of Christchurch, Mr George Leslie Lee, died yesterday at his residence, Avonside. Mr Lee was for many years Returning Officer for Christchurch, and it is only since 1894, owing to failing health, that he gave up his duties in that capacity. He never took a prominent part in public matters, but was a highly respected citizen, and a staunch supporter of Avonside church, and was for several years churchwarden there. He has reached a very ripe old age, and leaves a widow, the partner of his fortunes and miafortunes of forty years, to mourn her loss.