OBITUARY.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIII, Issue XIX, 4 November 1899, Page 836

OBITUARY.

The news of the sudden death of Mr Archibald Davidson Somerville, Manager of the Wellington Branch of the Bank of New Zealand, will lie received with very deep regret in all parts of New Zealand, and by his demise the bank loses one of its most valued and popular servants. Mr Somerville had on Tuesday, the day of his death, been engaged all day at the bank as usual, and retired to rest shortly after ten o clock, when he was seized with a fit of coughing, and broke a blood vessel, dying almost immediately afterwards in the presence of his wife and son. Dr. James arriving on the scene a few minutes after the occurrence. but only to find that life was extinct. Mr Somerville had been very ill for some time, but recently went to Fiji for three months for the benefit of his health, onlv returning about three weeks ago. and as his health •appeared much improved, his sudden death will come as a grefet shock to his family and friends. The deceased was a native of Scotland, being born in Fifeshire in 1853. his father being one of the most distinguished lights of - the- Presbyterian Chureh. Having gained his first business experience in a leading mercantile house in Dundee. Mr Somerville entered the service of the Oriental Bank, where he remained till 1880. when he entered the service of the Bank of New Zealand, being almost at once transferred to the Auckland branch of the bank. After officiating as agent of the bank at Te Aro, Wellington, in 1886, Mr Somerville was moved to. Fiji, where he remained on the bank s behalf for nine years. Returning to New Zealand, he was appointed manager at Napier, later on acting-manager. and then received the appointment of manager of the bank at Wellington, which position he retained until his death, at the comparatively early age of 47. All the flags in the city were hung half-mast high on Wednesday, ns a tribute of respect to the deceased, who was greatly respected and esteemed in commercial and banking circles throughout, the city, and his widow and family, of one son, and t-wo daughters, will have the sympathy of a very large circle of friends in their sad bereavement.

The interment took place at the Karori Cemetery, on Thursday afternoon, the Rev. W. C. Waters’, of St. Peter’s Church, officiating at the graveside. The funreal cortege was an unusually long one, all the chief officers of the various banks in the city attending, also the Mayor of the City (Mr J. Biair), the Chairman of the Bank of New Zealand, prominent members of the commercial houses, the members of the Wellington Bowling Club, and prominent citizens. Mr Clive Somerville, only son of the deceased. was chief mourner, and Messrs John Ross, C. A. Ewen, H. Gilmer, and H. B. Lawry. officiated as pall-bear-ers. Many very beautiful wreaths and floral tributes were sent by the directors of the Bank of New Zealand, the local branches of the Bank, the Wellington Bowling Club, and bv private friends from all parts of New Zealand. bearing witness to the great respect in which the late gentleman was held, in both his business and private life.