OBITUARY.

Kaikoura Star, Volume XIV, Issue 789, 8 November 1894, Page 5

OBITUARY.

Albbn Close, 55. Death, a friend and comforter to frail mortals, the terminator of human suffering, has gathered in one more unit to swell the list of the ‘great majority.’ At nine o'clock this morning another good settler passed away here, the spirit of Al ben Close taking flight from its mundane tenament at the hour named ; Bright’s disease being the primary cause of dissolution. To those who didjnot know him well, or failed to understadd him, Alben Close was very much of an enigma. On the contrary, those who had the pleasure of knowing him thoroughly—we were ope of such—found in him one whom they appreciated the more they became acquainted with him. It is true that all did not readily agree with him, as he was as plain and as jack-blunt as any man in the world. —there was no deceit about him. Beneath a rugged manner there was sterling worth j honesty of purpose, the best of intentions, a liberal hearted man at bottom (his judgment sometimes playing him false, and leading people to misconstrue his actions), and a true, good friend to hundreds. Indeed, he was the warmest of warm friends. He had enemies—be made them, unwittingly—but he was an open antagonist. Further, he was more of a Christian than very many who make profession of their Christianity. Never did Alben Close make any claim thereanent: rather did he acknowledge his failings.

Deceased was born at Baldsborough, Somerset, Ensland. He came out to Nelson with his parents in 1841, in the ‘ Mary Ann,’ one of the three historic ships in connection with the settlement of Nelson, so that he was 53 years resident in the Colony—he was only two years old on arrival. When quite a young man he removed to Wairau and was chiefly engaged in the timber industry. Twenty, eight years ago—two years before he took up his residence in Kaikoura—he bought a farm of 100 acres here. Coming down in 18G8 be was induced to go into the Kaikoura Hotel, opposite to the site of the present Commercial Hotel. He subsequently bought the hotel then known as The Traveller’s Rest. This was pulled down 23 years ago and the old Adelphi built in its place. In connection with the demolition of the Traveller’s Rest, a cob house, deceased met with a serious accident. The brick chimney feel upon him, battering his head very badly, breaking a number of his ribs, and injuring his digestive organs. He never thoroughly got over the ill

effects of this mishap, and Mr Wm. Smith (Ludstone), and Mr W. Poulter say that it was marvellous deceased recovered at all. He was one of the most enterprising settlers here, as evidence of which it is worthy of note that he was the first to introduce a reaping machine in Kaikoura. He preferred farming to any other occupation, which he engaged in—having two farm properties—but he, also, had to resume charge of the Adelphi when it reverted to him on Mr Tucker leaving.

He took an active and earnest part in public affairs here, having been a member of the Road Board until it was merged into the County Council, of which latter he was also a member for a number of years. He had long held a seat on the River Board, of which, it was only recently stated, he had proved one of the very best members. He was also a member of the Town School Committee, and it was due to the support he and Capt. Davidson gave to Mr Paap (the then Chairman of the Committee), aided by the good offices of the late Mr Henry Ingles, that the Town School stands where it. now does. Had it not been for the efforts of the quartette named the School would have been erected near the Pound. Much might be written about straight-going, honest, Alben Close, but as he was a man of very few words ours shall not be the other extreme. The community could better have spared other men, and that opinion is shared in by many here. Sympathy is freely expressed for a sorrowing wife and six children, whose comfort deceased toiled hard to provide for. The funeral takes place on Saturday, leaving the private residence at 2 p.m.

WELLINGTON, Nov 8 The following deaths have taken place : Mrs G Maxted, of Tawa Flat, aged 84.

James Spence, of late firm of Spence Bros., of Melbourne, died in Wellington Hospital. D. J. Bremner, Secy of Wellington Woollen Company. Mrs Willeston, wife of Cuncillor C Willeston.