The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY. SEPTEMBER, 28. IN MEMORIAM.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 125, 28 September 1877, Page 2

The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY. SEPTEMBER, 28. IN MEMORIAM.

♦ Another of the old colonists has gone to his rest, Mr Hugh Buchanan, so well-known all over the Peninsula, died at the residence Of his son-in-law, Mr J. S. Williams, .Mnyfield, Windmill road. Christchurch, on Snndny last. The deceased gentleman, who was descended from an old Highland family, was born at Tain in Rossshire. He arrived in New Zealand about twenty-seven years ago, bringing with him a considerable sum of money. He first went to Motnnau. and afterwards settled down at Ikolaki, where he had sheep and whaling stations ; but, subsequently devoting himself to pastoral pursuits alone, he removed to Kenloch, a pretty spot, at the head of Lake Forsyth, where he resided for many years. Mr Buchanan was member for Wainui in the Provincial Council, and occupied that honorable position until its abolition. He was not a ready speaker ; in fact, he seldom addressed the House, and when he did speak, great brevity characterized his utterances, but they were given in well chosen sentences without a superfluous word, and were always to the point. For many years he was president of the Banks Peninsula Pastoral Associa- : tion, and in that capacity he was most persevering in his endeavours to promote the Pastoral and Dairying interests. He was also chairman of the Little River Road Boardj and as such, as well as a member of the Provincial Legislature, he was indefatigable in the discharge of his duties, being rarely, if ever, absent from his post. The last time that Mr Buchanan spoke at any length in public, was at the banquet given in December last at Akaroa in honor of those gentlemen who had represented the Peninsula in the late Provincial Council. It fell to his lot to be the first to respond to the toast of " The members of the late Provincial Council," and those whp were present will not soon forget Mr Buchanan's response, as he stood there with his tall figure, drawn up to its full height, and his eyes beaming, the grand old man grew really eloquent as he warmly eulogised those institutions then passed away for ever, and pointed out the great good they had effected. It was his last effort as a public speaker, and it was his greatest. In his private life Mr Buchanan was most estimable. Of a genial, kindly disposition, his hospitality was unbounded ; the best that his house contained was placed before his guests, who always received a hearty Highland welcome, which was extended alike to rich and poor, for no wayfarer, be he ever so humble, ever left the door of Hugh Buchanan untended, or uncared for. Quietly, and unostentatiously, he exercised his benevolence, for he was one of those who " Did good by stealth, And blushed to find it fame. But, nevertheless, the amount of anxiety and suffering he relieved was very great. No case of distress was ever brought under his notice but his heart and hand were at once open. Many a man who was struggling bravely to light the " battle of life," but who was almost brought to despair by the difficulties he encountered, has had his heart cheered and been encouraged to persevere by the kind words and still kinder aid given by Hugh Buchanan. His work is now done, "he rests from his labours," and in the tears of those who sincerely mourn his loss, and who, in gratitude for his kindness, cherish his memory with reBpect," his works do follow him." Mr Buchanan was twice married ; he had a family by each wife, and the lady who was his second wife survives him.