OBITUARY.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 600, 14 April 1882, Page 2

OBITUARY.

Death has again been in our midst, and lias taken from among us an old and universally respected colonist to swell the ranks of " the great majority.'" Mr Benjamin Shadbolt, who, as will be seen elsewhere, died 3'esterday, arrived in Aka'oa, with his relict and their family about August 1857, and at once settled at the Head of the Bay. The means of communication at that time between Akaroa and the Head of the Bj>y was principally by "Natives highway"—the water—and for some time the late Mr Shadbolt had the ferry boot, and carried the then fortnightly mail and passengers between these places. Subsequently Mr Shadbolt became landlord and afterwards owner of the then "Travellers Rest" Hotel, and under his auspices and management it became a favorite hostelry well known both far and near. From his first arrival until his last moments Mr Shadbolt took an earnest and painstaking part in all public matters connected with the Peninsula, and at all times was ready both with his services and purse, to aid in anything which he thought would be advantageous to the interests and prosperity of the place of his sojourn. Our readers v/ill bear us out, that the deceased gentleman, whether as a member of the Road Board, School Committee, Racing Club, or in other public capacities to which he was elected, always gave his time willingly and ungrudgingly lor the public weal, and in whatever capacity he was serving, acted honorably and honestly in discharging the functions of his office. The late Mr Shadbolt was a great lover of horses, and hia name aa an own* is not only well known at the local race meetings, but also in Dunedin and Christchurch. It was originally through the deceased gentleman's exertions that the Head of the Bay annual race meeting was started. For some time previous to his demise, Mr Shad holt had been a great sufferer, but recently ho had rallied considerably, looking again more like his old self. Only last Monday we saw him in Akaroa at the Presbyterian tea meeting, and complimented him on his improved looks and health, little supposing then that it would bo our last meeting here on earth.

We sincerely condole with Mrs Shadbolt and her family on their bereavement and trust that " He who tempers the wind to the Bhorn lamb " will give them resignation and fortitude to bear their heavy affliction.

The funeral takes place on Sunday and no doubt many of those whom his cheery laugh has gladdened and his kind hospitality cherished, will follow him with saddened hearts to his long last home beneath that soil which he found a wilderness and left a cultured garden.