Obituary.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3732, 15 December 1906, Page 2

Obituary.

HERBERT AUSTIN—AGED 33 YEARS.

Death, the great leveller of mankind, has again visited this district. It is our painful duty to record the death of Mr Herbert (Bert) Austin which took place at his residence, Moutoa Road, at 5 o'clock last evening after a very brief illness. The news came as a shock to his many friends throughout the district, with whom he had mingled only a few days ago. The grim messenger is no respecter of persons, age, poverty or affluence, and it seems hard to part with a young fellow 33 years of age, just entering on the prime of life. The deceased was of a jovial disposition and held in high esteem by his friends. He took a great interest in athletics and other sports and was president of the Football Subunion. He was also a member of the local school committee. In commercial life he was associated with his brother in the flaxmilling industry, was a director of the local rope works, and a member of the Moutoa Estate syndicate. He was looked upon as a level-headed business man, hence the success which attended his various enterprises.

The immediate cause of death was influenza, followed by a poisoned hand, then other complications set in and within a few days the dissolution took place. He was the fifth son of Mrs Robert Austin aud came to Foxton with his parents about 20 years ago, and has resided here since. He leaves a widow and son (10 years of age) and daughter (about four years) to mourn their loss. He recently built a fine dwelling on his property on the MoutOa road and had only taken up his residence there a few weeks ago.

Deceased, who was a member of the local Masonic Lodge, will be tendered a Masonic funeral. As soon as the body arrives at All Saints Church, shortly after 2 p.m. the brethren will assemble. and escort the remains to the cemetery.

We extend to the deceased’s wife, mother, brother and k sisters our heartfelt sympathy. At a meeting ot the Foxton Football Sub - Union, held at Messrs Sutherland and Rough’s premises this afternoon, Mr F. Whibley in the chair, the following motion was carried, proposed by the secretary (E. G. Sutherland) seconded by J. Jillet : “ That the Foxton Sub-Union place on record its high appreciation of the services rendered to the rugby sport by its late Chairman, and that a message of condolence expressing heartfelt sympathy be forwarded to the widow and family, also to the mother and other relatives of the late Mr H, Austin.” The Secretary was also instructed to arrange that a floral wreath be placed on the cofiin. All footballers are specially requested to attend the funeral.