OBITUARY.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXI, Issue X, 5 September 1903, Page 667

OBITUARY.

In «ihe person of Mr Thos- Gemtnill, who died a few days ago, Hamilton lost one of its best-known identities. He had been a wheelwright there for more than 30 yearsMr Samuel Coombes, whose death occurred in the Waikato Hospital some days ago, was originally in the 4th Waikato Regiment under Captain Steele. He had been in Cambridge nearly 40 years. The death of Mrs Elizabeth Evans, wife of Mr Henry Evans, occurred on Aug. 28 at the age of 68 years. Mr and Mrs Evans were well known on the Thames, as they arrived here in 1865, and soon after went to the Goldfields. They left Tararu for Auckland many years ago, and have lived here ever since. Mr Evans and five children (all married) survive her. Another gap has occurred in the ranks of the older generation which founded this colony, by the death of Mrs Scott, wife of Mr John Scott, who survives her. She was 52 years of age at her death, and had lived nearly all her life in Auckland. She was the daughter of Mr Henry Naysmith, who came hither in the Duchess of Argyle in 1842. She leaves seven children, by whom she was much beloved. There passed away at the Auckland Hospital a few days since an old and

respected colonist in the person of the late Mr William Crisp, of Bulwer-street, Ponsonby. Mr Crisp, who was descended on both sides from good English yeomanry stock, was a native of the county of Norfolk, where he was trained as a builder. He left England in 1859 for South Africa, and for several years occupied a responsible position under the Government of the Cape Colony on important public works. Coming on to New Zealand, he landed in Auckland in January, 1865, and has since resided continuously in this province. In the sixties he was engaged on some of our important public buildings, viz., the Avondale Asylum, Bank of New Zealand, etc. He was one of the pioneers of the Thames goldfields, and superintended the erection of one of the first crushing batteries. For many years ho was in the service of the New Zealand Railway Department. His unassuming manner, industrious life, strict integrity, and real kindness of heart will not b& soon forgotten by those who knew him. He leaves six daughters and numerous grandchildren' to mourn their loss. MR. A. C. MURRAY-AYNSLEY. The death of Mr. A. C. Murray-Ayns-ley, which took place at his residence, Fendalton, was a great shock to his many friends, for’ it came quite suddenly at the end. It is only a few months since Mr. and Mrs. Murray-Aynsley returned from England, whither Mr. Mur-ray-Aynsley had been in search of health. After an operation there he had so greatly benefited that he was able to return to Christchurch, with the hope that he would soon be quite strong again. The deepest sympathy is felt for his widow (nee Gerard), also for his aged father, Mr. H. P. Murray-Aynsley and family, writes our Christchurch correspondent. DEATH OF MR 11. T. GARR ATT. After a long illness Mr Henry Thomas Garratt died at his residence, East-

afreet, off Karangahaperoad, early on August 31, at the age of 59 years. Deceased came to this colony in 1867, and for many years was a prominent figure in municipal matters. Before the old Karangahape Road district was incorporated in the city. Mr Garratt used to take a keen interest in local matters, and was a member of the board. He at various times sat on school committees and licensing benches, and for many years represented the KarnngaliApo Ward in the City Council, being first elected in 1882. and only retiring through physical infirmity when the last council went out of office. On several occasions Mr Garratt and Mr Jamieson contested the Karangahape Ward, the votes being so close that once there was a tie, and the next time the winner had a majority of one. Mr Garratt was also si prominent member of the Ancient Order of Foresters being secretary for the Auckland district for many years. In this capacity he attended the sitting of the High Court in England in 1895. Mr Garratt was instrumental in opening up several branches of the order throughout the Auckland province. Mr Garratt also took a prominent part in the formation of the Auckland Friendly Societies’ Conference, which recently culminated in starting the dispensary. As a city councillor ho was appointed to sit on the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, where he did good service. It may be mentioned incidentally that Mr Garratt ran the first ’bus to Mt. Albert as far back as 1870. On one occasion Mr Garratt unsuccessfully stood for a seat in the House of Representatives. Some years ago Mr Garratt suffered severely from insomnia, following upon an operation. Later on he suffered from a stroke of paralysis, but even that was not sufficient to check him from attending to his duties as a city councillor until, as the disease made further progress, he did not seek re-election when the present council camo into office. Deceased leaves a widow, four sons, and two daughters. The children are all adults.