THE LATE MRS HARPER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1750, 14 June 1888, Page 3

THE LATE MRS HARPER.

The tolling on Monday morning shortly before 11 of the Cathedral bell (aays the Christchurch Prsa) created some little excitement in town, and widespread regret, was expressed when it waß learned that Mrs Harper, the wife of the venerable Biehop of Christchurch, had breathed her last. The sad event occurred early oDMondeylmomiDg. Mrs Harper has been for some little time ill, and the occurrence was not unexpected. Though not so prominently before the pub'lic as the Bishop himself the deceased lady was yet always active in good works. Her charity was of the unobtrusive kind, which does good by stealth and blushes to fin J'it fame. Many a poor family has cause to bless the hand that is now cold for help in time of heed. Mrs Harper was the mother of a numerous family, and ahe was spared to see them grow up and flourish, living to see not only her grandchildren, but greaUgrand* children. The love and affection which Mrs Harper had inspired in those who knew her, and, indeed, throughout all i classß" f» f «orsietv. was most forcibly ex-

emphfied on the occasion, some years agp, of the celebration of her golden wedding. On that interesting occasion, when thr£e generations of her family gathered around her to offer congratulations on the auspicious occasion, representatives of everjv class in the community manifested by their presence the wide,spread respect and esteem she had won <f.»h.roue;hoiit Canterbury for her many good qualities. For considerably over half a century she has been the helpmate, adviser and best friend of the venerable and respeoted Bishop. Severe as is the loss of her family, and deeply as it will,be felt by all who had the privilege of knowing h<jr, the bereavement of the Bishop is still' greater. It may at least be aome mitigation of the blow to know that, both the Bishop and his family have the heartfelt sympathy of all in the community. The deceased lady, who was in her eightythird year, was the daughter of Mr C. Woolridge, solicitor, of Winchester. She was married in December, 1829, and the golden' wedding, to which' reference jis made above, was celebrated in December; 18f 9. The deceased lady arrived here in 1856, when Bishop Harper assumed the episcopate of Chnatohnrch. •- \