DEATH OF MR J. WHELAN.

Patea Mail, 2 March 1882, Page 3

DEATH OF MR J. WHELAN.

Mr John Whelan, storekeej cr, died about 3.30 this morning. He had been anxious and worried about business matters for some time, and the first clear indication of his mind being affected was his peculiar behaviour on the evening of the fire near the Police Station last Friday. He wandered away during that night, got into the sea near the river entrance, and was found early next morning wandering near the Heads with his clothes wet. Since then he has been in bed, but was unable to sleep. His mental worry increased, and he seemed fearful that he was being crushed by imaginary dangers. Latterly he had to be restrained through his aberrations. Dr Croft attended hiJP, and at length advised his removal to Wellington. This was not acted on, and the doctor declined to attend again. Dr Keating was prevailed on fo see the patient late on Tuesday night. There appeared to be a stoppage in the bowels, and this bad continued many days. He has obtained some sleep since Tuesday, but the needful rest came too late, and death ended the struggle. He was utterly unconscious during the worst period of bis malady.

Mr John Whelan was one of the quietest and most amiable of men, being much liked and respected. He had been in the imperial army during the Waitara war; he afterwards served in the police force at Wellington, where he married. He camedo Patea abontfeight; years ago, and soon commenced store-’ keeping. He prospered fairly, but probably he lacked the pushing energy needed in an ago of increasing competition. Ho was not'lstrong, -and any financial worry overstrained his anxietyHe leaves a widow and three children, the eldest about 14 years. Mr Whelan’s age was about 38. If his business affairs pass into the care of the Public Trustee (in the absence of a will), there will be no power to sne against the estate till the Trustee has had a certain time to realise and meet all claims.