Death of Mr T. F. Gibson.

Manawatu Herald, 31 March 1898, Page 3

Death of Mr T. F. Gibson.

It is with great pain that we record the death of one of our most trusted and respected townsmen. Last night at seven o'clock Mr Thomaß Francis Gibson expired in a fit in his garden from the rupture of a bloodvessel. We recorded in our last issue that the deceased gentleman had been seized with a fit whilst attending his plaoa of worship on Sunday evening, but from inquiries we made on Tuesday we were led to believe that he was on a fair way to reoovery, but it was not to be. The deceased left his home in Knaresborough, Yorkshire, England, in the year 1879 and came to WelliLgton with his family and took np a farm at Mouloa, which he soon converted into a pretty and profitable property. On this he resided for ten years and shortly after Fox (on was declared a Borough, and during the office of Mr Thynne a3 Mayor, he was appointed Town Clerk, the wisdom of such an appointment being sho.vn by the deceased holding this position up to the time of his death.

In the Old Country the deceased gentleman carried on a large ironmongery and tinsmith's business in his native town, which he had to relinquish owing to failing health.

During the late Mr Gibson's residence in this district he has always been forward in Church work and in public life. He was a member of the Manawatu County Council for some years. On the death of the late Mr E. McLean he was elected Circuit Steward of the Primitive Methodist Church, and has been an official in the Primitive Methodist Conference having held the office of Becretary and treasurer of the furnishing fund. He also took a class in the Sunday school when residing at Moutoa.

Mr Gibson was a Yorkshireman and had the traits of character for which this county is noted. He was however one who was ready to defend the weak and uplio'd the right, and was highly respected by the district and esteemed by his friends. His death makes a void whioh will be difficult to fill.

The deceased leaves a widow and a grown up family of five to mourn hi 3 loss. The two daughters have always lived at home, and fortunately one of his sons. Jce, has been at home lately and is there now. Of the son?, the eldest, John William, is in business as a pork butcher in Wellington and has a nice farm under perpetual lease at Ohakune in the Waitnarino block ; the second son, Joe, is a looksmiih and is at present in Fox ion ; the third son, Tom, has a farm under the perpetual lease system also at Ohakune, and is residing upon it.

To the family we tender our true sympathy in the loss they have sustained, and the the writer of this brief notice can speak authoritatively on the sterling qualities of the deceased from having worked side by side with him in public and social matters.

The funeral arrangements art in the bands of Mr E P. Osborne and will take place on Sunday afternoon.