En Memoriam-Henry Godfrey.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 133, 29 August 1868, Page 3

En Memoriam-Henry Godfrey.

Obit. August 22nd, 1868. JStat 42 Years,

It is once more our painful duty to record the death of another highly valued member of our small community. Another victim— Mr Henry Godfrey —has been snatched from our midst, in the prime of life, by that fatal disease Diphtheria, to be followed only a few hours later by that of his little eight years of age, of the same malady. Both were conveyed on Sunday last to the Renwicktown Cemetery, followed by a large circle of mourning friends, and there laid in one grave. Conquiescal in pace ! The disease having already carried off two of Mr. Godfrey’s children, made its appearance in his case about eighteen days previous, to death, and in so malignant a form, that it was thought advisable at once to telegraph for the old medical adviser of the family, Dr Vickerman, who speedily arrived from Nelson, accompanied by Mr. William Harley; the latter remaining in hourly and unremitting attendance upon his suffering brother-in-law. As Mr. Godfrey had so long borne, up against this most insidious complaint, it was hoped that the worst stage was passed, and that there was a fair chance of his ultimate recovery ; the sad news of his death therefore, falling unexpectedly upon the community, cast a still further gloom over it.

The departed gentleman was a son .of Dr. Godfrey, at present residing and following his profession at Oxford, England, who a few years ago visited this Colony. He was an early settler of the Nelson Province, and one of the first to arrive in this district, where for a period of seventeen years he has successfully and diligently followed the pursuits of sheepfarmer, agriculturist, and miller. He was the first to introduce the use of steam in this district, and one of the first in New Zealand; IKs Importations of masessed were both frequent and extensive ; possessed with a clear and practical mind, he managed his various operations with skill and' forethought, and was ever punctual in meeting all engagements ; while his farm and homestead were a model of neatness and' convenience which could hardly s be surpassed by the best in the old country. Of a cheerful and even ; temper ; a kind and affectionate-husband and father; a generous and indulgent master; a considerate and obliging neighbour and friend. Entirely free from ostentation, no one could be more loved or respected—no one-more missed—or more deeply mourned^ He took a lively interest in politics, and was for some time Deputy-Superintendent of this Province, and Member of the Executive.; Justioe of the Peace ; Member of the Provincial Council ; and'an active worker on several local Committees; and ever brought to the consideration of their various objects, an earnest, matured, and well-balanced judgment; . his opinion, on all matters was eagerly - sbught for, and bis counsels highly esteemed. To the' last he had full possession of his mind, hnd was able to converse with his sorrowing and bereaved , family to, the very moment of his,death, which occurred on Saturday last, in the 42nd year of his age. Jastupi et teruicem propositiyirum. .