AUCKLAND,

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 18, Issue 1143, 11 October 1871, Page 3

AUCKLAND,

DEATH OP DR. S. J. STRATFORD. [FEOM THE EVENING STAB, OCT. 4.] It is with much regret that we record the death of Samuel John Stratford, Esq., at the age of sixty-nine, who had been for many years one of the leading medical practitioners in this city. The deceased gentleman was seized with a paralytic stroke about four months ago, und although he rallied sufficiently to * move about his residence, never could be said to be convalescent, and a few days ago had a relapse which terminated fatally this morning. Mr Stratford was member for the Provincial Council for Parnell, and was physician to several friendly societies, having also at various times held several official appointments, such as that of Coroner. He was a man of great and varied information, and possessed much scientific knowledge apart from that requisite to the practice of his profession. For a number of years he was a resident in Canada, and came to this colony in 1854, since which year he ha* been .constantly in Auckland, with the exception of a short visit which he paid to Noich America, a few days ago. Mr Stratford held shares in several of the leading mining companies, and was one of those prominent in the development of our goldfields, and placing their government and management on a proper footing. Immense grief will be felt by many at the removal of ibis gentleman, whose charity was proverbial ; and many a poor family will miss, not only the ready advice, but the substantial assistance which Mr Stratford was always ready to afford. JjFROM THE SOUTHERN" CROSS, OCT. 7-] Yesterday afternoon at half past three the last tribute of respect was paid to Dr Stratford by a large; circle of friends accompanying his remains to their last resting place. While livinghe was highly respected and many anecdotes are related of him showing the charitable disposition the deceased gentleman possessed. Indeed, it is well known that very seldom would he make any charge for attendance or medical advice to those whom he believed to be be in indigeu* circumstances. One example must suffice. A person upon whom a difficult *urgical operation was performed recovered health and strength .under his care. After she had been completely restored to health, the late Dr Stratford was asked to make out his account and hand it in for the purpose .of payment. The reply returned by Dr Stratford was that he kept no books to make accounts from, and he positively dec! ineel to take any recompence. Tl lis is but one of many instances we could name, and the poor of our city and suburbs have lost a friend indeed by his 'decease. Id is age as formally an no unced was 69, thus bordering the allotted span of human existence. He was formerly an assistant-surgeon to the 72nd Highlanders, and emigrated to Canada in 1830, where he had the medical charge of the troops stationed at By town. Some seventeen years ago he came to this province, and has since taken an active part in all things tending to social amelioration. To this province he was warmly attached and at the time of his death held a seat in the Provincial Council. During the late war he took an active part, and when the 63th Regiment went home in the ship Bombay, he took medical charge of the troops on the voyage. It will also be remembered that he came through Canada on his return to this colony, and his exertions there to spread information amongst the Canadians respecting thi* province, for the purpose of inducing immigration thence, are not yet forgotten. To science, and social and political subjects, he was ever ready to lend his help; and that instance of his liberality reported in our columns a few days ago, where he promised to give 4UOO in aid of the building fund for the Auckland Institute, showed that he was ready to help with bis means as veil as with his advice.