DEATH OF MR J. A. HARDING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2075, 9 May 1907, Page 2

DEATH OF MR J. A. HARDING.

A SUDDEN CALL.

A glooom was cast over those citizens who were abroad last night when it bocunio known that Mr. J- A. Harding, tho well-known proprietor of the Masonic Hotel, had passed away suddenly at half-past nine. Returning theatre-goers wore horrified at tlio awful suddenness of tho sad event and a crowd quickly collected round the hotel. Groups of friends and sympathisers wore to bo soon in und around tho building, discussing tho situation in silont tones. A number of friends of the deceased wont

in various directions for his many relatives. It appears that as Mr. Harding was walking along a passage on the first story, just opposite room 12, ho was heard to fall with a heavy thud and gasp convulsively. Willing helpers were soon at hand and he was carried to a bedroom. Doctor Coker was almost immediately in attondaneo and in a few minutes Doctor Scott arrived. Efforts, however, wore in vain, death having been -almost instantaneous, the cause being apoplexy, the result ol breaking a blood-vessel and consequent hemorrhage. Mrs. Harding and some of the children were, assisted to tlio room and left alone with their great sorrow. Deceased was aged 54 years, and leaves a widow and ten children,

six girls and four boys, the youngest child being only four months old. The eldest daughter, Mrs. Wilson, was ill and another sister was re-

covering from scarlet lever. A lew weeks back deceased was confined to his bed owing to throat trouble, hut last night ho was in good spirits. , The deceased gentleman was well known in many quarters for many kindnesses shown by him to those deserving, and for many gracious acts lie had performed ill a quiet way. Ho was very well known both in and out of Gisborne and the regret felt by his many friends and acquaintances will be widespread. He took a keen interest in polities, local and national, . and was always outspoken for what lie considered right. The Borough and County Councils, Harbor Board, Hospital Trustees, etc., claimed liis attention and ho served for many years on those indies. He was recently appointed by the Government sole trustee of the Native tiust land at a salary of £IOOO a year. The late Mr. Harding was *be second son of Mr. Wm. Holmes Harding and was born in Tipperary, Iroit.nd, on January 11th, 1853. Ho arrived in Auckland with his parents when ho was about fourteen years old. He was educated at Dr. Kidd’s school and St. Matthew’s Church ol England school Auckland. Ho decided to follow tho surveying profession, and in this calling he was engaged for fourteen years- in Auckland and on the East Coast of the North Island, but owing to ill-health he re linquished the work, and carried on storekeeping at VVaipiro Bay for about nine years. Mr. Harding then engaged in the timber and shipping trade" for some time. He then took over the license of the Masonic Hotel and held it until the time of his death. Mr. Harding had been a member of the Borough Council since ISBB, a member of the Harbor Board for many years, and he was treasurer if the Hospital Trustees. He was closely connected with the Racing Club and at one time was master of the Poverty Bay Hunt Club. The deceased gentleman was also a past master of the Turanganui Lodge of Druids, and had passed through all the chairs.