THE LATE MR H. M'DERMID.

Clutha Leader, Volume III, Issue 131, 12 January 1877, Page 6

THE LATE MR H. M'DERMID.

Those who.were acquainted with Mi* Hugh M'Dermid, ot lawyers ißay, and have recently met him attending*. to his. business in Dnnedin, looking hale, hearty, and to all appearance in g*ood if not robust health, .will scarcely be able. to realise the fact that he is no more amongst us. By his'death, another of Otago's early settlers has passed away, one who has all along taken, an active part and interest. in matters political, and in everything that tended to promote the settlement of the Colony, and the building up of her new institutions. . Jt was only the other day we met him, when he commenced to relate some reminiscences of his- life and labors in the early days of the settlement.. We had no doubt these would prove amusing* and interesting* to many of his old acquaintances in the Glutha, and he piomised to send notes' of them for publication.' His sudden and unexpected death has, however, put a stop to thisas well as many other arrano-e---ments he had in progress for the future. His death took place on Saturday afternoon, at his- residence,, Glen. p'ermid, Sawyers Bay, after a few days' illness. The Guardian, says:— Tbe deceased gentleman was attacked by , diarrhoea on Wednesday last,- ard attended by Dr Drysdale, who succeeded in: overcoming the disease/ and anticipated Mr M/Dermid's restoration to health. He was, however, found : to be in a* sinking state on Saturdayforerioon, when Dr Drysdale paid his usual visit. Gradu- *% .g'^.lng; weaker,. he expired in the afternoon. 'Mr M 'Dermid' arri ved ' in the Province about the year 1856, antV three . or four years' later, erected the first saw-mill jn the' district oh" liis property at Sawyers Bay. ; Since that .time' he has taken an active part in public matters, succeeding Mr. Macandrew as representative of the Port in. the Provincial : Council,, and .holding* . office in the Executive without portfolio. , He was also Mayor of Port -Chalmers ,for the space of two years, and filled; the office .of president, of the Mechanics' Institute.. As Mayor of Port Chalmers he occupied a seat at the Harbour Board, and was notable for his- persistent and fearless advocacy of his claims dn. that -body, never : ceasing' to urge that justice' should be rendered,* and that the Lower Harbour should* receive ** ts ; "4 J?? ,# ulre „ of attention;* :In * politics," the deceased 'gentleman was a launch' Provincialist,. fearless iri. his/ actions,! and desirous of seeing the land of his adoption prosperous* and "flourishing. As a. citizen he was equally desirous of advancing the interests' of' the district, while in .his ; private Rapacity, hie 'was a wa^ni-hear.ted,,. kindly man,', and, his loss will *be;* regretted* by., all \yho ,' enjoyed his, friendship.