MR R. TRIST SEARELL. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 18 August 1909, Page 27

MR R. TRIST SEARELL. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

INVERCARGILL, August 15. Mr R. Trist Searell, organist at St. Paul's Methodist Church, died suddenly on Saturday evening when conducting the Municipal Band at practice. Mr Searell was one of the, musical judges at the competitions which opened here on Friday. On Saturday evening he attended the competitions till just on 9 o'clock, when h* hurried away to put his band through practice at the band room, his intention being to return later to the competitions, to judge in the sacred solo item. The band room is some distance from the hall where the competitions are being held, and situated at the top of two flights of rather steep stairs. • It was observed by the bandsmen that the oonductqr was rather breathlesb when he came- in, but after having apologised for keeping them waiting he mounted the conductor's stand- and the practice opened. Almost immediately he stopped, requested the band to wait a minute, and sat down on the stand with his head on his hands. Almost at once he' fell to the floor unconscious, and a medicaJ man was sent for, only to pronounce that Mr Searell was dead.

Mr Searell came from Christchurch to Invercargill as organist at St. Paul's Church about three years ago. He was born at South Devon, England, in 1852, and educated at the Independent Churclj College, Taunton. He studied music for some years, and came to Lyttelton in 1865. After being at Christ's College "for five years he was articled to Mr H. Slater, solicitor, and passed every legal examination save the final one, preferring a musical career. He became organist at Christ's College and later at St. LuEe's I Church, where he remained for two ! years. He was at St. John'b Church and then at the Durham Street Church, later going to Invercargill. Mr Searell commenced his career as a music teacher in 1877, ami he has been a prominent member of the profession since that time. For 11 years he waa conductor of the Cbtistchurch Garrison Band, and later he occupied a like position in the Stanmore Band, Chribtchurch. He was one 'of the Sromoters of the Society of Professional lusicians, which was' formed in* 1890, and for many years a member of its •council. Mr Searell was married in

1880 to a daughter of the late Mr W. H. Ellis, of Christchuvch, and leaves the widow, four daughters, and a son. Ha was 37 years of age. \ — — ~—