Obituary.

Manawatu Herald, 7 January 1904, Page 3

Obituary.

HOF. W. 0. WALKER,

The Hon. W. C. Walker, Speaker of the Legislative Council, died suddenly from heart disease at his residence, PortHin? , Christchurch, at 2 o’clock on Tuesoay morning. He was in town on 'Monday, and though not as well as usual, had intended leaving for Wellington the same evening

Thn tidings of the sudden decease of tho Hon. W. C. Walker, in bL sixty-seventh year, will be received with genuine regret. While it cannot be claimed for him that he took a brilliant or exceptionally prominent part in the public life of the colony, he was ono of those who, both in the limited field of local politics and in the wider sphere of usefulness which Parliament affords, as well as in the social life of the communi y, have unostentatiously accepted the responsibilities of thdr position. Mr Walker’s connection with New Zealand extended over forty-one years. A gentleman of high culture, and ever courteous in public and private relations, ho gained the confidence of his neighbours as their representative on various local bodies, was returned to Parliament, and afterwards appointed to the Upper House wiub Ministerial rank. Last year, resigning his portfolio 1 ?, he was appointed Speaker of tho Legislative Council, which position he held at the time of his death. No painful reminiscences of party rancour linger around bis memory, which will be held by opponents as well as by friends in affectionate regard.—Post.