THE PASSING OF MRS ROBERTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 December 1918, Page 2

THE PASSING OF MRS ROBERTS.

A KINDLY SOUL AT REST

(An Appreciation)

j The epidemic claimed yesterday .is one of its victims Mrs Roberts of Fitziierbert street, relict of the late George John Roberts, sometime Commissioner jof Crown Rands of Westland. Mrs

j Roberts lia.s been a long resident ;of Westland, and was no less widely ! known than her late esteemed j ’husband. She dearly loved West- ! land, ns did Mr Roberts and she I was content- to stay on here after her life partner had been called away. Mrs ! Roberts was a most kindly soul. .Sue was a firm and true friend and was happy most when she could go about doing good. Her years • carried lightly. She loved til <\..i air and a fresh life and her k-.'-aness in sport, i her lovo of animals and her eyer-buoy-I la lit spirits, wore the secret springs | which gave her that glowing happiness j which she diffused always about her.

Mrs Roberts was ono of nature’s noblewomen. She had a heart of gold the most tenderest feelings for all in sorrow and suffering. Her sympathy was expressed practically always in kindly deeds for those whom she thought ehe could help. Her benevolent ways must have been cheering to many a friend in trouble and difficulties. To the sick and afflicted, she was as it were a ministering angel and through H all a most cheery optimist.

Mrs Roberts was on© of these rare women who could inspire others about her. Sho possessed that personal magnetism which communicated itself to others and created whole fields of activity. There have been very few local organisations of a benevolent character with which Mrs Roberts lias not been associated. She played her part always readily and unselfishly. Whatever branch she might be assigned there was the assurance that it would be filled to the letter. Mrs Roberts was a philanthropic worker it will be hard indeed to replace. In her home sho was a most generous hostess. She loved to have her friends about her and enjoy themselves. On such occasions her hospitality was proverbial. Herself a victim of the epidemic, she was one of the first to volunteer to aid in fighting the disease. Her readiness at self-abnegation was typified by the fact that when help was called for to assist with the hospital laundry work, Mrs Roberts stepped promptly into the breach and daily performed what was to be done. It was work that had to be done, and for ono of Mrs Roberts’ nature that was sufficient. Whether sho contracted the complaint by contact in this way or had been already predisposed to the effects of the disease j it will not be known. But less than a fortnight ago she went down to the influenza in its first stages. A few days in bed at home, and the malady threatouted to become serious. Friends secured the lady’s removal to the Westland hospital, and for a time all went well. Then adverse bulletins were issued, but still the danger was not considered insurmountable. On Saturday a. marked change for the worse was noticeable and through the night the lady passed away and is now at rest.. Her demise will he deplored by all who knew her. Those who knew her best will deplore the loss of one who came very near and dear to those witn whom she formed friendships'. Always loyal and true, and with a most kindly thought for all about her, Airs Roberts’ passing removes one of the best women from our community and one of whom the most kindly memories will ever linger with thoso who knew her at her real worth, a truly noble woman, one of the heroines of her day. Deceased leaves six sisters (Mrs McGregor, Mrs Laws, Mrs Sinclair, Mrs Ross ; Miss Campbell Straclian and Miss Jean Straclian, all of Wanganui), and three brothers (Alexander, Lewis, and Samuel at Wanganui). One brother (William), died a few days ago from the effects of the epidemic.