DEATH OF MIL JAS. WHEATLEY.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 524, 5 January 1878, Page 2

DEATH OF MIL JAS. WHEATLEY.

It is to-day our painful duty to record the sudden death last evening of Mr. James Wheatley, of Maheno, an old and respected resident in this district. The particulars obtainable of the sad event are of a very meagre nature, for the lamented gentleman died alone and unnoticed. His death was terribly sudden. Yesterday afternoon Mr. Wheatley waa in Oamaru, surrounded by his pack of pet dogs, chatting and conversing with many of his numerous circle of friends and acquaintances. He was then, to all appearances, in perfect health ; at a little after six o'clock a lifeless body was all that remained of the noble and indefatigable laborer for the public good. So far as we have been able to gather he returned to liis home on horseback about five o'clock, and having placed his pony in the stable, rubbed him down, and seen him properly housed, proceeded to purtake of his own evening meal. His housekeeper having placed his tea upon the table retired from the room, leaving the late gentleman sitting at the table. At the time she did not notice anything particularly striking in his appearance to warrant the supposition that he was in anv way ailing, though she observed that his head was reclining dightly to one side, On returning to the room some little time afterwards to see if anything further was required, Mr. Wheat-ley was still sitting at the table, leaning on one side, perfectly motionless, and, as she afterwards disco\ered, dead. His noble spirit had apparently passed away without much struggle. Information was at once sent into town to Mr. H. H. Goggins, a bosom friend of the deceased, who at once proceeded to the scene of Mr. Wheatley's death, and took such steps as were necessary. Mr. Wheatley was, \vc understand, 67 years of age. His death ia -supposed to have been the result of an apoplectic lit. for although lie had not been known to have suite red from such a fit previously, he was somewhat prone to apoplexy. He was unmarried, but whether a widower or bachelor wo cannot say. He had not a single relation of any kind in the Colony, but of friends and admirers what a hosthad he ! Mr. Wheatley had been a resident in this district, for about eleven years, and during that lengthy period, took a deep and lasting interest in many things calculated to promote the prosperity of the district and the enjoyment and happiness of its res-dents. He was one of the most enthusiastic sportsmen the district ever possessed, not from any love of gain, but- from a genuine attachment to his stud and kennel, and the pleasure they could afford him and others. Ho was always looked upon as its best authority upon matters connected with racing and coursing. Asa promoter and friend of acclimatisation there was not his equal at anyrate in this portion of the Colony. In the introduction of English birds and their protection he was an indefatigable worker, while he also took a deep interest in the acclimatisation of fish and animals. It was through his efforts that tiie flourishing Acclimatisation Society of which Oamaru can now boast was established ; and to him may also he attributed some considerable share of the credit of forming the Coursing Club. As a member of the County Council, Mr. Wheatley was hardworking and painstaking, and by lus death the Council loses one of its brightest ornaments. Ho was also connected with several other institutions, each and all of which were calculated to promote the welfare and h-rppiness of the people. His death will leave a blank in our midst which will not easily be filled. To quote the words of the immortal bard—which, though rather hackneyed, are nevertheless extremely appropriate—- " Ho was a man, take him all in all, We ne'er shall look upon his like again." Mr. Wheat-ley was a. generous, noblehenrted Scotchman, and prior to coming to this Colony, had spent many years in Victoria, where he was well known and beloved. Wherever he has been he has left footprints behind him which time alone can efface. Since writing the above we learn that Dr. DeLautour states that Mr. Wheatley's death resulted from apoplexy, and no inquest will be held on the body.