SAD DEATH OF MR WALTER DIGNAN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2234, 30 July 1891, Page 3

SAD DEATH OF MR WALTER DIGNAN.

[Auckland Herald.] Mr Walter Dignan, son of the Hon. P. Dignan, and a member of the legal firm of Dignan and Armstrong, died suddenly at the family residence on Friday, July 3, under distressing circumstances. For 1 some months! past Mr Dignan had been in failing health, suffering severely from neuralgia and kindred complaints, and recently he had had a number of teeth, or rather stumps, extracted. He coni suited Dr Haines in regard to his health, and Dr Haines prescribed a mouth wash which the deceased was in the habit of using for his gums. When he retired to bed on Thursday night, July 2, he appeared in his usual state, and to be fairly well. At ten o’clock next morning Mr Peter Dignan, his brother, saw him, and in reply to his question he said he was going to take his bath. This elicited no surprise, as Mr W. Dignan had been in the habit of taking a cold bath every morning. A few minutes afterwards, however, Mr Peter Dignan heard the deceased moaning, and rushed into the bathroom. He found his brother sitting in the bath, and with the assistance of another brother, Michael, commenced to rub him. His mouth appeared pained, and in reply to their questions as to what was the matter, the sufferer said, “ I have swallowed some of that wash ; put me to bed.” They at once carried him to bed, and messengers were promptly sent for medical assistance. Dr King was.,found by Mr Peter Dignan himself, and without delay accompanied him to the home in Wyndham street. Dr King administered emetics, and used other remedies, remaining with him up to the time of his death at noon. MrW, Dignan never spoke from the time he was placed in bed. The respect in which the deceased was so deservedly held in Auckland was manifested by the immense concourse which attended the funeral on Sunday, July 5, including large numbers of the oldest residents, and also a greater number of the present generation, amongst whom Mr Walter Dignan and his brothers have grown up respected and esteemed. The cortege was the largest attending the funeral of any private citizen in Auckland for a great number of years. On arrival at the entrance to the cemetery the coffin was removed from the hearse, and carried to the grave by six brothers of deceased, namely, Messrs Peter, Patrick, Anthony, Thomas, James, and Michael. The greatest sympathy was expressed on July 3rd with the friends of the deceased in this unexpected misfortune. Mr W. Dignan was bom in Auckland. He was the eighth son of the Hon. Patrick Dignan, and was educated at the Auckland College and Grammar School. He was always of a very studious disposition, but popular on account of his unassuming demeanor and thoughtful disposition. After leaving college he served articles with the firm of Dignan and Armstrong, and after a visit to Sydney he joined the firm as a member, and ever since he has been in the habit of appearing for the firm in their Court proceedings, displaying a good cultivated legal knowledge and business capacity. At the opening of the Supreme Court the sad event was referred to in feeling , terms by Mr Tole, and Mr Justice Conplly spoke in the kindliest terms of the deceased.