OBITUARY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 521, 29 December 1881, Page 2

OBITUARY.

Mr George Lilly Mellish*:

Our telegrams to-day inform us of the decease of this gentleman, who has held the position of Resident Magistrate for Christchurch district for some years past. Mr Mellish was formerly a fcaptain in the army, and, having retired, came out here about twenty years ago, and started sheep farming in this district. He took up the run known as _Lake Heron, about thirty miles above Mount Somers. Some few years afterwards he was appointed as Resident Magistrate for the Kaiapoi and North Canterbury districts, which position he held for about twelve years. After the retirement of Mr C. C. Bowen, he was appointed for Christchurch and surrounding districts, which post he held up to the time of his death. During the last two or three years he has been suffering from ill-health, caused by over work, and his constitution appeared to be thoroughly underj minded. He obtained leave of absence last year for a few months, and visited Australia, after which he took his position on the Christchurch Bench, very much better in health apparently. Mr Mellish was very much respected by those who knew him, for many acts of public as well as private kindnesses; and for the manner in which his official duties were discharged, the public generally will have nothing to complain of, as in every case that came before him his careful consideration and anxiety for fair play and justice were features of his judicial administration. Mr Mellish leaves a wife and small family to mourn their irreparable loss.