OBITUARY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 61, 13 November 1907, Page 3

OBITUARY.

Flags were flying at half-mast on th< shipping at the wharf and on the Unioi Steamship Company's offices yesterday on aceouift of the death of Mr. "Jock' Eraser ut Aucklaud the day befory. Tlu deceased lad, the second son of Mr. Murdoch Fraser, of New Plymouth, wa{ exceedingly popular here amongst a large circle of friends, and, carrying hie winning ways with him, it was little vonder that he soon made himself a general favorite in his position of purßei on the Union line. A few years ago he was seriously ill at home, and upon convalescing he renounced his chosen profession in favor of the sea for the benefit of his health, lie was here only the other day, spending a short holiday whilst awaiting transfer from the Wanaka to another vessel, and left for Auckland on Monday week in his usual health. On Thursday word was received tint ho was suffering from appendicitis, and Mr. Gordon Fraser and Miss Eraser went North the same night. On the Friday an operation was performed, but the disease could not be stayed, and lie passed away on Monday afternoon. The news of his dealh was received with keen regret by many close friends '■'■ ally, and the greatest sympathy is extended to his people. The circumstances are particularly sad. Mrs. Flaser has just left Home on her return voyage to New Zealand, Mr. Fraser having made the honte trip e:i an earlier steamer. She will thus have no news e- her sad bereavement until the steamer touches at a cable port. Mr. Fraser, sen., is also very unwell, and this news must come as a great shock to him.

Mr. William Walker, who died at Auckland on Sunday, was formerly well krown in New Plymouth. In his early days he was a steward on colonial steamers, and left the sea to take up hotelkeeping. After some years' sojourn at the Thames, he took over the Imperial Hotel at New Plymouth, and after some years occupied the White Hart nnd Taranaki Hotels in New Plymouth and the Inglewood yotel. He subsequently retired to Auckland. The late Mr. Walker had an excellent reputation a? a host and as a friend. He was unMrs. Batchelor, of New Plycouth, is a sister, and there are other relatives in New Zealand.

Death has taken another well-known ex-resident of New Plymouth in the pireon of Mrs. TJi'xon, wife of the Rev. John Nixon, who for so many years occupied the pulpit of the Queen-street. Primitive Methodist Church. The late Mrs. Nixon was very popular both' Bmongst the church people and a large portion of the New Plymouth populace. She had been in 111-health for several years. In accordance with the.deceased Ifdy's wish, the body is being brought from Christchurch, nnd the interment will take place at Te Kenui Cemetery on Thursday. The Revs. Ward and Dswson are coming up from Wellington to conduct the obsequies.

There passed away at her residence, Wooleombc-terrace, at an early hour this morning, a well-known old identity of this town in the person of Mrs. Wells,' relict of the late Benjamin Wells, who was editor of this paper upwards of fifty years ago. The deceased lady, who had reached the ripe age of 81 years, has resided in Now Plymouth over half a century, almost without intermission She leaves a family of three sons and two daughters.