OBITUARY

Kumara Times, Issue 1078, 15 March 1880, Page 4

OBITUARY

We (' Palraerston Times') deeply regret to have to announce the demise of Mr F. J. Davis, one of the proprietors of this journal, who died at Christchurch on Sunday last after a long and painful illness. The mournful event will be sadly deplored by every reader of this journal with whom the deceased was acquainted, as there were none who knew him but could not help liking him. He had a pleasant smile and kindly expression for all, and by his cheerful and agreeable disposition he made many fast and true friends during his residence in the district. The deceased was assentially a newspaperman, having at an early age enrolled himself as a member of the Press, and during his connection with it he made himself a general favorite with his conferes, and by them he was highly respected, Ad a reporter the deceased stood high in the profession. He first entered, , the , literary profession as a reporter on tlie staff of the Melbourne ' Age,' in which position he remained for five years. He then came to Dunedin under an engagement with the 'Otago .Daily Times,' oh the staff of "which journal he filled the importaut and responsible position, of' chief reporter. On the starting of the Guardian,' the deceased was: induced to accept a similar position, |On staff, where he remained until He' was appointed editor and manager bf' tin's journal when floated'by a company. ; This selection was made out of a*'large number of applicants, and was in. every respect most flattering to the deceased. -This; position he occupied until the company was wound up, when negotiations were, made and inducements ofiered' to purchase the plant and good will. This the deceased subsequently did, in which venture he was associated by his mounting partner. The dececaaccl waa>! also instrumental in starting the '.Evening Telegraph' at Timaru, which paper he,edited: until he waa taken ill, and to relinquish the new venture. On his return to Palraerston the deceased was incapacitated from attending to the literary matter of the 'Times' through continued illness, and eventually he was confined to his bed, and for some months to the house. Latterly, however, strong hopes .were entertained for his ultimate recovery ; but alas ! how deceptive these hopes have been the sequel has proved. Peace to his ashes, for a kind and warmhearted man, whose absence in this district will be very generally felt has been called to his last home.