Death of the Rev. Mr Stewart.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 27, 1 August 1894, Page 2

Death of the Rev. Mr Stewart.

[By Telegraph.] [FBOM OUE OWN COBBESPONDBNT.I Birmingham, This Day. The Rev. Mr Stewart, of Kiwitea died at an early hour this morning. One of the oldest and most respected settlers of the Bangitikei and Kiwitea districts passed away at his residence, Kiwitea, this morning. We refer to the Rev. William Stewart, formerly Presbyterian minister at Mar ton, where, by his kiudly nature, he endeared himself to everyone with whom he came in contact. As an example of his charitable nature wo will simply mention one circumstance which occurred. A short time after ho arrived in Marton, at a time when thero was no doctor residing there, Mr Stewart displayed a very charitable spirit by not only administering to the spiritual needs of his congregation, but he kindly relieved the physical sufferings of anyone who required assistance, and there are many bushmen whose injuries have been attended to by Mr Stewart when it would have been very difficult to have procured the services of a doctor. Mr Stewart, who had reached the ripe age of 74 years, arrived in the colony about the year 1871, and took up his residence in Marton, where he continued to labor until about eight or nino years ago, when, through failing health, he was compelled to retire. He then took up his residence on his farm in the Kiwitea, which he purchased some fifteen years ago, when that district was being settled. Previous to taking up his residence, Mr Stewart made periodical visits to the Kiwitea, where, we believe, he was the first minister to preach the Gospel. Although his health was broken, Mr Stewart did not take to his bed until nearly three weeks ago. He leaves a widow and six children -four sons and two daughters — Mrs Wm. Morrison (of Marton) and Mrs G. liidd (of Kiwitea). The sons all reside in the Kiwitea. Besides his relations, Mr Stewart leaves a large number of friends, who will deeply regret to hear of his death. According to his request, deceased will be interred in the Upper Tutaenui Cemetery, adjoining the Presbyterian Church, but up to the time of our going to press the day on which the funeral will take place had not been fixed.