Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 1901. THE HON. JAMES KERR, M.L.C.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 26 August 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 1901. THE HON. JAMES KERR, M.L.C.

I Yesterday morning a gloom pervaded the town of Greymouth, and soon thereafter the stranger might realise from the flags floating mournfully half-mast, that some one well known, some one respected and beloved had passed away. And such were the sad tidings sent forth by telegraph from Westport of the unexpected death of the Hon. James Kerr, M.L.O. The circumstances surrounding his death, too, were of a peculiarly sympathetic character. Not, alas, in his home, surrounded by the affectionate family circle, but in a strange town whither he had to sojourn owing to the sudden attack, did he to breathe his last, with, however, his devoted wife and son at his bedside. The deceased gentleman had not enjoyed robust ! health for some years past, and in 1899 while at Wellington had a very severe illness that, unfortunately, loft its traces behind. This year his healths had certainly not improved. Never-I theless with characteristic energy and* determination he determined to fulfill those functions which the country had! imposed upon him.' Since the com-| Imencement of this session (f Parlia-| fment he has been in his place, often! iwe fear when health, required perfect! [rest. As was his usual custom he was! jpayihg a brief visit to his family—or| [rather, we should say, he had started* lon what turned out to be his last! (earthly journey. On Saturday, August! 117th, he sailed by the Haupiri. When! jhe came on board he was suffering! from chest affection, but he appre-I hended no serious results. He had! 'gone to sea in a similar state before! [and found a day on the ocean im-| proved his health. On this occasion!

.it was the reverse. By the time theH 'steamer reached Westport his stateH was alarming, and acting under medi-B cal advice he was taken ashore. Mrs.ra Hughes at once placed her privatea residence at his disposal, and the veryls best care and attention was bestowedg upon him. His son was telegraphedß for and proceeded by special convey-1 ance, while Mrs. Kerr left next day by| steamer. From day to day telegrams I fwere received of an assuring character,! land all hoped to again see the well-knowni [face amongst us in a few days. But! lit was not to be. On Saturday came| [the ominous warning giving up allf |hope ; and this was followed yesterday! Imorning with the tidings that preclude! f hope. The cord had snapped; and yet| lanother of the early pioneers of Grey-| Smoutb, one who had se&n the birth off ifche town, who for 36 long years had! Ibeen associated with every movement! ■for its progress and development, had! Icrossed the Great Divide and ceased to| |be a dweller in our midst, I 1 The late Mr. Kerr was a native of| Dunfries, Scotland. As a youth he| was considered very delicate and camel out to Australia in the early 'so's for the benefit of his health more than aught else. The climate appears to bave had a wonderful effect for he soon became quite robust. On the discovery of gold in Otago, he came over to Dunedin and was engaged on the Otago Daily Times, and when the Coast was opened came over to Greymouth along with Messrs Arnott, Keagh Moore and Stark and started the Grey River Argus—a journal that soon made itself known and has ever been considered to be among our best class of newspapers. Mr. Kerr's Greymouth career is too well known to require even a brief review. Wherever and ■whenever any movement was on foot ■for the advancement of the town oi ■district, there would our old friend be Sever anxious to lend his aid. Mr. ■Kerr has occupied almost every posiKtion within the power of the electors Kto grant him, and when some nine ■years ago he was called to the Legislative Council it was felt by all that the ■honor was well earned. As a Mason ■he occupied a high position, being ■Deputy District Grand Master of WestBland and Steward of the Grand Lodge ■of England. As a private citizen and ■friend, Mr. Kerr was the sole of honor, ■staunch and true, while he was a ■pattern husband and father. To his ■bereaved family the sympathy .of the ■entire community goes out, the very ■fact of him dying on his way home wadding addition sadness to the bereaveBment.

(OUB OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Westpokt, Sunday,

Mr. Kerr took a bad turn yesterday and in the evening it was plain that the end was not far off. Drs. Owens and Dunn were called in to consult with Dr. M'Kenzie. Medical skill and attentive nursing could not avail and death ensued at five this morning. The body will be taken to Greymouth at 8 80 to-morrow morning.

Many friends will follow it to the wharf.

Westport, This Day,

The members of the Masonic Craft, representatives of the Press, Reeves, M.L. C, Colvin and M'Kenzie, M. H. R's., Suister, Chairman of the Harbor Board, and a number of private citizens and a few Greymouth visit >re followed the remains of the late Hon James Kerr to the wharf this morning. The Masons carried the coffin all along the route. Hats were reverentalh raised. The steamer left at nine o'clock with flags half-niast. Up to Saturday the Doctor expected Mr. Kerr to recover. Both local papers have regretful and appreciative obituary notices.