DEATH OF MR. WM. LEYS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIII, Issue XIX, 4 November 1899, Page 820

DEATH OF MR. WM. LEYS.

It is with sincere regret that we record the death of Mr Wm. Leys, which took place at Colombo on the sth of October. The deceased arrived in Auckland in 1863, by the ship “Tyburnia,” one of the vessels chartered in connection with the Albertland special settlement scheme. Having served his time as a bookbinder, he commenced business on his own account in Vietoria-street East in 1870, subsequently removing into Wyndham street, and retired about two years ago on account of failing health. Four months ago he proceeded to England for medical advice, but his ailment being pronounced incurable he immediately took passage by the Orient steamship “Ophir,” with the intention of reaching home if possible. On arrival of the vessel at Colombo Mr Leys felt too weak to continue the journey, and he entered the private ward of the Colombo Hospital, where he received great care and kindness during the few days of life that remained to him. Mr Leys had always taken an active interest in public affairs, and was especially impressed with the poverty, and suffering arising from the failure of physical powers in old age, and the keen competition which results in the aged being thrust on one side. By lectures and pamphlets he warmly advocated the adoption of an Old Age Pensions scheme, and laid down the lines which have sinee been embodied in the New Zealand statute, namely, that the pension should be payable without previous premium to all the ' aged whose circumstances rendered _ such aid needful, on the same fOotihg ’ as Civil service pensWns, in- recognition of services rendered to the State as good citizens and taxpayers. These pamphlets he printed and circulated at his own cost to all public bodies and representative men throughout the colony. There is no doubt that the agitation thus fostered, materially assisted in developing public opinion on the subject, and hastened the adoption of the Act in this colony. Mr Leys was a. strong champion of universal compulsory education. He was chairman of the Ponsonby School Committee for several years, and latterly, occupied seats at the Board of Education and Harbour Board. He was always identified with the Liberal side in politics and for some time filled the position of Chairman of the Liberal Association. Few men in Auckland were more widely known or more respected. He leaves a widow and one young daughter to mourn their loss. The deceased was burled at Colombo by the Rev. Wm. C. Fleming and the Rev. G. McKelvie, Presbyterian ministers.