THE LATE MR. R. WATKINS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2284, 13 July 1880, Page 2

THE LATE MR. R. WATKINS.

Many residents will miss a familial' face from Ike Timam Medical Dispeurary. Its proprietor, Mr Eiehard "Watkins, expired last evening, after a somewhat protracted illness. He was one of Timaru's early settlers. .Between Id and Id years ago lie arrived in this district with his father, and (lie latter became a well-known and respected .settler at Pleasant Point. The deceased carried on, for several years, a thriving business as a chemist and druggist, lie was plain of speech, rough and ready, but beneath an unpolished exterior lie carried a kindly genial disposition. If his words perhaps sounded unpleasant at times, Ins deeds of private charity spoke more than volumes. As a friend be. was sincere and honest, and those who knew him best respected him most. Ho disliked hypocrisy and humbug in every shape, but bis baud and heart were ready to icspond to any genuine appeal fur aid. Mr "Watkins was a Christian of an eminently practical kind, and it is needless to add that for these ipialities he was respected by his brother Masons, in the John's Lodge, K.C., he was a prominent member, and he took an active interest in its prosperity. The leading members of the craft were constant visitors at his bedside during his painful illness, and their presence and conversation alleviated his last moments, lie died at (lie comparatively early age of ,'!h. and lie leaves behind him a widow and familv.