The Late Mr Charles Thomas Austin.

Manawatu Herald, 17 July 1902, Page 2

The Late Mr Charles Thomas Austin.

It is with very much regret we re* , cord the death of Mr Charles Thomas Austin, the third son of Mrs Austin, who died at the residence of his mother yesterday morning. The deceased had been laid aside for the past two months, the dread disease consumption having got him in his grip, and though he had fought determinedly and with good heart death secured the victory. The late Mr Austin can fairly claim being no one’s enemy, and he has proved himself to be a useful citizen. Many years ago hia parents settled in Foxton, but after a time left, and returned some fifteen yean ago. In the first days of the flax boom the deceased, and his brothers, worked at his late fathers flaxmili at Carnarvon, and thus obtained that valuable information in the business which the Messrs Austins (his brother Herbert being his partner in the flaxmill) have pushed to fortune. The deceased was unmarried, and lived with his mother and siatera in their new residenoe in Park-street. He was only in the 81st year of his age. In all ways will “ Charlie ” Austin be missed, socially, financially, and politically. He proved himself to be a man who took live interest in all that was going on. He was a vary fair musician, playing the violin at church services and musical evenings ; he danced well; for some time he was a useful member of the Borough Council, resigning the position simply on account of his health. He was the only member of the Council that took the trouble to attend the public meeting at Shannon, held to attempt to secure a bridge over the Manawatu river, and at which he made a very good speech. He was asked by several to stand for the position of Mayor, to whioh he would have been easily elected, but he know his health too well. Financially, his energy in working both a sawmill and afterwards a flaxmili, ~ ' thus employing much labour, has been of great value to the district. was able to do mueb other good with the means at his command.

Volunteering met with his hearty support and he became one of the first members of the Foxton Volunteers. He attended, with his company, the reception of the Puke and

Duchess of York at Wellington and at Christchurch, where, owing to the terrible cold experienced, it is feared hjniastened on the attaok from which he has died. The same unfortunate season—his health—caused him to resign from the company but a few weeks ago. Uis interest in the company was shown by, after having left the corps, promising the captain £5 towards the new drill shed. We have no hesitation in saying that prior to his last illness the deceased seemed to have grasped the right position a young man, in his circumstances, ought to take, ready to Join in everything wholesome and for the public good. There are many who would do better did they try to initate the good example set. We consider we have lost a friend and valuable neighbour, and feel that ourselves and the neighbourhood are poorer by his loss. To Mrs Austin, bis brothers and, sisters and relations, we tender our most respectful sympathy in the blow they have just received.

hands though he had had provocation, and fined him 20s. William Mickie was found guilty on the charge laid against him and to which ho had pleaded guilty, and was fined 20s, costs 9s, witness 6s. The other two informations were dismissed.