DEATH OF MR. M. M. KIRKBRIDE, M.H.R.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 258, 5 November 1906, Page 5

DEATH OF MR. M. M. KIRKBRIDE, M.H.R.

Mr M. M. Kirkbride, M.H.R. for ilanukau, passed away at Rawlingstono Private Hospita], Grafton-road, yesterday. The end was not unexpected, Mr Kirkbride having bora in a critical condition for some little time. Mi Kirkbride was in good health when he left Auckland in August to undertake his sessional duties, but about five weeks ago he became ill, and, his condition becoming gradually worse, he obtained leave of absence for the remainder of the session, and came back to Auckland, being removed to the Rawlingstone Hospital. His illnesa was due to meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes of brain, which became very acute- The utmost care and attention was provided, his. condition gradually became more critical, and, during last week but little hope for his recovery was entertained. On Friday ho became unconscious, and gradually sank until ho passed away quietly at about one o'clock yesterday.

Mr Kirkbride won the rese.pect of all with whom he came in contact. He was of a kindly, genial disposition, and one who never carried his political enmities into private life. He was of strong, robust constitution, and was 58 years of age at the time of his death. He was bora on August 13, 1847, at Ulleskelf. Yorkshire, and at the age of 15 came to New Zealand with his parents, in the ship Portland, arriving in Anckland on July 23, 1863. He worked for Mr Alfred Buckland at East Tamaki, assisting in the landing and herding of cattle for the use of the Imperial troops then stationed in that district. A few months later the family moved to Little Omaha, where a home was carved out of the bush, and in 1872 they moved to Mangere, taking up a farm in that district. In 1874 Mr Kirkbride married, and proceeded to tho Manawatu district, taking up a section of bush land at Askhurst. Seven years after he returned to Mangere and purchased a farm, on which, he has since resided.

For many years ha took a deep interest in local politics, mid saw service on road board, school committee, domain board, and public cemetery board. He was also a prominent member of the Auckland Agricultural and Pastoria] Association, acting as president for two years and representing it at the colonial conference. ]Ie was president of tho New Zealand Farmers , Union, and presided over the first colonial conference. At the general election of 1902 he contested the Manukau seat in the Opposition interest against the sitting member. Sir C r . M. O'Rorkn, whom he defeated by 2384 votes to 2140, a majority of 244. At the last election he was opposed by Mr X- D. Stewart, polling 3007 votes to 2165 recorded by his opponent, and winning the seat for thfi second time by 663 votes. He was a keen debater and a very useful member of the Legislature. He succeeded in securing tho passage of the Mutual Fire Insurance Act in his first session as a member, and last session the Valuation of Land Act Amendment Bill, introduced by him, was put on the Statute Book. This Act enables the local bodies interested to appoint one of the assessors at the Valuation Court.

The funeral will leave Ms late residence, Ihiunata, at 2 p.m. to-morrow, for the Mangere cemetery.

Great regret was expressed in Oneliunga when the news of Mr Kirkbride's death was circulated, and fflag-s were flown at half-mast from a number of business premises.