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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XI, Issue 142, 7 June 1876, Page 2

regret to have to announce the death of Mr Joseph Henry Levien, the Mayor of Nelson, who, after a long and painful illness extending over many months, passed away from our midst shortly after noon to-day. iMr Levien always took an active interest in politics and public affairs generally, but never came prominently forward himself until within the last eighteen months, when he agreed to accept the office of Mayor, to which position he was unanimously elected on the 26th February, 1875. At that time Municipal affairs were in anything bufc a satisfactory state ; the Council Chamber was a scene of constant bickerings, and general irregularity marked the proceedings which took place within its walls. ' Thero was a large overdraft at the Bank, ahd the accounts. were in a perfect muddle,, as was shown by the Auditors' report published at the time. But Mr Levien was not to be discouraged. He knew what he had undertaken, and was determined to carry it out thoroughly. Having himself a good knowledge of book-keeping, he set to work in earnest at the. accounts, and,, by commencing an entirely new set of books, he-in a short time got them into perfect order. He also urged the necessity for economy upon the Council, .. the newly-elected, members of which were quite willing to follow his lead in this matter, and the consequence has been that' instead of an alarming overdraft there is now' a balance to credit. The discussions which take place in the Council Chamber are now conducted in the most orderly and creditable manner, ahd indeed fche imprint of the strong hand which Joseph Henrt Letien brought to bear in reducing chaos to order is perceptible in thewhole of the present conduct of the affairs of the Corporation. In compliance with Mr Levien's special request, the burial service of the -Freemasons will be the only one read over his grave afc the funeral, which, is fco take place to-mor-row afternoon.