OBITUARY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 38, 16 February 1915, Page 3

OBITUARY.

JAMES ARTHUR THOMAS, AETAT 34. lire passing of this promising and popular teacher, Mr J. A. Ihomas, headmaster of Tuna School, Salisbury Hoad, will be received with universal regret throughout'', the'district. The end came with unexpected rapidity, although when Mr Thomas was first laid aside by typhoid fever a fortnight ago, his,.medical adviser, Dr. Steven, considered the case of a serious nature. For the past two weeks Mr Thomas received every care and attention at the hands of the nursing staff of the Stratford Hospital, and it was there at 4.30 o’clock this morning he passed away. The flag at the Stratford School today was half-masted out of respect to a scholar who had attended the school at the time of the opening. Deceased did well as a scholar, and on leaving joined the staff of the National Bank, where he remained for some years. Five years ago, however, he severed Ids connection with the Bank and entered the ranks of the teaching profession, in which he achieved a very enviable reputation—in fact, he was looked upon as one of the most promising young teachers l in the district. Last year, he worked in order to sit for higher examinations, and was, in consequence of the strain, much run down in health. Before he'Regained: his normal state of health the dread typhoid laid its grip upon him and closed a bright life. Deceased looked undismayed upon the shadow line separating us from the Unknown, being conscious up to a few minutes of the end, and conversing with his relatives.

In the deep affliction which has fallen upon his bereaved wife and two little children, the heartfelt' sympathy of all will be extended as a salve for their sore wound, which Time can only assuage. Deceased was the second son of Mr Joseph Thomas, of Finnerty Road, Ngaere, with whose family there will be much sympathy in this their second bereavement recently, another son, Walter, having succumbed to appendicitis two years ago. The interment takes place at the Jvopuatama Cemetery to-morrow afternoon, the cortege leaving the Stratford Hospital at 2 o’clock.