DEATH OF EX-INSPECTOR HICKSON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 41, 12 October 1899, Page 19

DEATH OF EX-INSPECTOR HICKSON.

(By telegraph, from our Auckland correspondent.) General regret was felt throughout the city when it became known that ex-Inspector James Hickson had breathed his last on Sunday morning, after a long and painful illness, at his residence, Ponsonby, at the age of 67 years. No hope had been, for some time, held out of his recovery, his complaint being creeping paralysis. So grave were the symptoms last week that the Rev. Father Hickson was called urgently from Napier. Father Hickson at once left for Auckland, but unfortunately did not arrive in time to see his father alive. Mr. Hickson, on Friday evening at half-past six o'clock, fell into a sleep which ultimately deepened into coma, and he remained in this state until he was mercifully released from his sufferings. During a lengthy illness Mr. Hickson has been under the care of Dr. Darby, and all that medical skill could do for him was accomplished, but no hope was held out of his recovery. The deceased retired in 1898 from the Inspectorship of Police, Auckland. He was an officer of great experience and honourable service. Mr. Hickson was born at Waterville, County Kerry, Ireland, and joined the Irish police when a young man. He was for a time assistant clerk in the County Inspector's office, Limerick. In 1859 Mr. Hickson resigned his position and came out to Victoria. On his arrival in Melbourne he was appointed clerk to the Quartermaster at the Richmond Depot, and was subsequently transferred to Kiltnore. In 1861 he was to join the Otago police department by Commissioner John Branigan. This he declined, as well as a similar offer from Commissioner Sherman of Canterbury. In 1863 Mr. Hickson was appointed chief clerk at the police office, Ballarat, where he remained for two or three years. Afterwards he resigned his position as a first-class sergeant in the Victoria police and came to New Zealand, taking charge of Hokitika district. In I #7o he was sent to Greymouth as Sub-Inspector, and became Inspec tor in 1872. Six years later he left the West Coast for Christchurch, and after being two years there was transferred to Dunstan, Otago. in 1893. As Inspector he had charge in various parts of Otago, and some years ago he was transferred to Auckland, and held this position until he retired from the service. The deceased leaves a widow, three daughters, and four sone to mourn their loss. The eldest son is the Rev. J. P. M. Hickson, S.M. late of St. Patrick's College, Wellington, but now of Napier, the second is in business in Australia, the third is clerk of the Court in Timaru, and the fourth is a clerk in the Railway Department, Auckland. The death of Mr. Hickson will be regretted by a wide circle of friends. He was a man of genial disposition, and court • eous and obliging in his official relations with the public. A Requiem, Mass for the repose of his soul was said in the Sacred Heart Church, Ponsonby, on Tuesday morning, when there was a large congregation. The funeral took place in the afternoon, leaving the Church for the Panmure cemetery shortly after two o'clock. The cortege was one of the largest seen here for some time, nearly all classes in the community being represented. The deceased was a fervent and devout Catholic, a great lover of his native land, a general favourite with {the public, an honourable and upright officer, who showed neither fear nor favour in the discharge of his duties. — R.I.P.