DEATH OF AN OLD SPORTSMAN.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1207, 16 January 1878, Page 3

DEATH OF AN OLD SPORTSMAN.

Notice was made a few days ago of the sudden death of Mr James Wheatley, oi Kakanui, in the North Otago district. An in- , foresting biographical sketch of the deceased gentleman has since appeared in the local l “ Times”—a sketch which will, no doubt, be ; read with mingled pleasure and regret by 1 spurting men and many others. Mr Wheatley | died in his 67th year, and the sketch refers ti, his personal history from his birth, in East Lothian, to his settlement at Wakanui, after experiences in Newfoundland, Victoria, and Dunedin where he was for some time manager of the Chib. Referring to his later life, the sketch proceeds: —While diligent in attending to his own business, he yet. found time to take a prominent part, in public matters, especially in everything relating to acclimatisation and sporting pursuits. He was, indeed, a most enthusiastic sportsman, loving the horse, the dog, and the gun as only an enthusiast in such matters can. While resident in Australia he was the owner of Chance, a well-known steeplechaser, who in his day won many races, and though we are not aware that he ever ran a horse in New Zealand, he was always to the fore at the local and other race meetings, and look a keen interest in the events. His love for animals was remarkable, as also was their love for him. He was scarcely ever seen without seme half-dozen domestic pets, in the shape of favourite dogs, at his heels, some of them, in particular Tip a pure-bred white Scotch terrier —being as well known and as general favorites as their master. He was one of the founders of the branch Acclimatisation Society of Oamaru, and may be said to have been the founder of the Waitaki County Acclimatisation Society, which, after the former had been broken up, took its place, and was also acclimatisation ranger for the district. His love for acclimatisation was indeed his speciality, and around his neat ivy-clad cottage at Kakanui are yet to be seen English wild duck, white swans, and a flock of Angora goats, all his favorites, whether in feather or fur, so tame as to come to his call and follow him like dogs. His horses required no halter, and everything living about him had such confidence in him, born of his kindness, that he had but to beckon and they would come to him joyously. But though intensely fond of his animal dependants, his sympathies were not confined to them, his kindly treatment of all bis employees, and his generous forethought for others, securing for him universal regard. In more cases than onejin Victoria and hero, the hearts of the widow and orphan have been comforted, and the troubles of many lightened by his timely and unobtrusive help. As an instance of his constant thoughtful regard for others, we may mention that when most of the traffic between Oamaru and Dunedin was by road, long before a railway svas thought of, and when the rivers wore yet unbridged, he was accustomed to rise morning liter morning, hours before sunrise (the coach ! hen left Oamaru at five a.m.) to inspect the river in order to see if it was safe to cross, and many and many a time Tom Sears and Goddard have been indebted for their safety to the warning flag which he always hoisted when the Kakanui was in flood. It will also be remembered by many resident in the district that in December, *1869, when Mr Paterson and Miss Ross lost their lives by the overturning of the coach in the Kakanui, Mr Wheatley saved the life of one of the passengers, Mr S. Newey, w-hen he had given himself up fur lost, and by dint of great exertion and with the assistance of his men got nil the others ashore. Of late years Mr Wheatley also took an active part in public matters, having been a member of the Kakanui Road Board, the Kakanui Harbour Board, and of the County Council, bringing to bear upon his duties in all these capacities much local knowledge, business tact, general ability, energy, and shrewdness. Indeed it will be a matter of very considerable difficulty to replace him. He was also until lately a member of the committee of the North Otago Turf Club, and of the Steeplechase Club, and was one of the founders and a member of the committee of the recently formed N. 0. Coursing Club; by all which organisations he will be greatly missed. His hale, hearty figure was familiar at all our race meetings, at which he has frequently officiated in the capacity of starter or clerk of the course, turning out spick and span in buckskin breeches, top boots, velveteen coat, white hat, and blue veil, with hunting crop in hand, looking, every inch of him, the splendid specimen of the real “Old Sport” that he was. He turned out thus for the lust time at the Kakanui races, and many will remember with regret their last view of him on that occasion. He was always the picture of vigorous health, having a fresh ruddy colour, which made him look much younger than he was, and it will be a surprise to many to find that he had nearly attained the allotted span of human life. He was most orderly and methodical in his habits, and kept a diary, regularly entered up, for many years ; and in this the' only indication of his approaching end, if such it may be deemed, is an entry on the Ist January of this year, which reads, “ Very fine day ; holiday; unw-ell; at home.” On the day preceding his death he attended the meeting of the committee of the Coursing Club, and came into town the following day (Friday, January 4th), with the intention of attending the meeting of the Council of the Acclimatisation Society held on that day. Ho left town for home, riding his well known pony, in the evening, reaching his residence at about a quarter past seven o’clock, and having taken the saddle off his horse, rubbed him down, and fed him, ho went into the house at about S o’clock, and asked for his tea. This was brought to him by the housekeeper, who, after leaving the room, waited some time, expecting him to call, but finding he did not do so, went in, and found him sitting in his chair at the table, apparently asleep. Taking for granted that ho was asleep she closed the door, and went out j but on returning a short time afterwards, found him leaning over the chair with his hand resting on the floor. Being alarmed at Ids appearance, she culled his managing man John, who, on entering the room, found that his master was dead. Dr. De Latour was summoned, and on arrival pronounced Mr Wheatley to have been some time dead. The cause of death is supposed to have been an apoplectic seizure. The only near relations ho leaves behind him are a brother, h America, and a sister rosidcs in Scotland,