DEATH OF MR. JAMES M. MELDRUM.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1160, 27 September 1882, Page 2

DEATH OF MR. JAMES M. MELDRUM.

A very old and respected resident of Gisborne, and one of the first of the Canterbury Pilgrims, has just passed away, and gone to “that bourne whence no traveller ever returns.” Mr James M. Meldrum, at the ripe age of 63, departed this life this morning at his residence in Grey street. For some time past Mr Meldrum was a great sufferer, and iu extreme bodily pain. He was only confined to the house for a very short time previous to his death, and, although suffering great agony, he was, towards the last, quite cognizant that the end was not far off. Shortly before he died he repeated to his wife a verse of one of the Scotch Hymns, which he hud known in his childhood. Very soon after this he gradually sank aud died at an early hour this morning. Mr Meldrum came out to Canterbury shortly after the first four ships came into Lyttelton harbor, viz., the Charlotte Jane, the Cressy, the Randolph, and the Sir George Seymour, which vessels brought the first of the Canterbury pilgrims to Lyttelton, and lauded them on the 16th December, 1850. Sir Michael le Fleming came out in the same ship with the late Mr Meldrum. On Mr Meldrum’s arrival iu Canterbury he became acquainted with the lute Mr Robert Waitt, a genltemun who was universally liked, a thurough gentleman, and one of Canterbury’s oldest settiers. On the advice of Mr Waitt, Mr Meldrum proceeded to the Toviotdale run us manager. The run at that time was owned by the late Mr John Willoughby Mullock and the late Mr Patrick Laurie, who were both true types of the old English gentleman. Subsequently to this the

Balmoral run was attached to the Teviotdale run, and Mr Meldrum managed both. He then was made partner with Mr Waitt in the speculation, aud owing to Mr Muldrum's good management they were enabled to sell out to the Hou. Mr T. Wigley for the sum of £37,000. Mr Meldrum, during his residence in Canterbury, was always known us a most hospitable gentleman, and throughout the many years ha was owner and manager of the stations above-named, he was never known to turn away a man from his door. In fact his kindness and hospitality were proverbial, and there are many now in New Zealand, aye, aud in Australia, who have a perfect right to shed a tear over the remains of one who has bestowed upon them, not only his generosity in a monetary point of view, but has always given them a kindly welcome to his table and the comforts of his house. Mr Meldrum was of an unostentatious disposition, and he was always ready to lend a helping hand to those who required it. Soon after the sale of die Balmoral Run to Mr Wigley Mr Meldrum came to Poverty Bay, where he occupied the position of Inspector of sheep for some years, aud has been a resident here for some thirteen years. The deepnst sympathy and regret is universally felt for Mrs Meldrum fur the severe loss she has sustained. The funeral will take place at 3 o’clock to-morrow afternoon.