DEATH OF MR. WALTON.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume V, Issue 229, 13 December 1894, Page 4

DEATH OF MR. WALTON.

Keen regret was expressed by local sportsmen on hearing of the mishap that befell Mr Walton, the popular assistant of the A.R.C. Secretary; and regret was changed to honest sorrow when it became known that the genial old gentleman’s injuries had proved fatal. Mr Walton’s son who had been riding a young horse, asked his father to try the animal. Mr Walton did so, and the horse shying, threw the old gentleman heavily causing, a severe fracture of the skull which proved fatal. Deceased, who was about 7G years of age, was a good deal more active and energetic than many men half his age. He was an old member of the London detective force, and though in receipt of a comfortable pension his energy would not permit him to abandon work. For the last four years he has been an invaluable servant to the A.R.C., looking after the gates and outside details of the Ellerslie re-unions with a zealous ability that made him a treasure to the Club and a terror to those people who endeavour to evade and set at naught the rules and regulations of the A.R.C. I had a' similar experience some time back to that which fell to Mr Walton’s lot, although luckily for me my youth enabled me to recover from the accident that closed the life career of my old friend, and it is a curious thing that Mr Walton, only a few days ago was pointing out to me the risks that attend the riding of strange or young horses. Sad to relate, he fell a victim to the very practice spoken of by him. The late gentleman,, who I understand reached the 40th anniversary of his marriage last week, leaves a wife and family. He was a favourite with racing men, and the A.R.C. will seek far before they .replace such an energetic officer. Borderer.