OBITUARY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2281, 28 August 1908, Page 3

OBITUARY.

AIR. A. 1). AYILLIS.

The death occurred at a- private hospital yesterday of Mr. A. D. AYillis, ex-M.H.R. for AYaiiganui, ami a business man well known throughout tlio Dominion. About a fortnight ago Air. AYillis, while voyaging from Auckland on the s.s. Monowai was seized with a sudden illness, and was forced to come aslioro at Gisborne and go to a private hospital. Ilis condition became critical, and as his strength gave way ho gradually sank, and passed away at about lmlf-past three yostorday afternoon. Mrs. Willis and two sons came to Gisborno last week, and woro with him to the end. The deceased represented AYaugmui in Parliament from tho death of tho Into Hon. J. Ba-lla-nco in 1893 till 1896, arid subsequently at a lator period,- for number of years. Ho was born in Middlesex, England, in 1542. On tho death of his mother ho left England at an early ago to try his fortune in New Zealand. Ho worked his passage to Auckland in tho ship Dinapore, landing in 1857 with empty pockets and all tho world before him. Ho worked at his trade as .a printer in various parts of Now Zoaland. He was the originator of the Hawke’s Bay Herald, and had been closely associated with the profession ever since. On tho breaking out if the Otago goldfields, he was seized with the gold fever. He was at the celebrated Gabriel’s Gully for about six months. About 30 years ago lie settled in Wanganui, with tlio intention of starting a newspaper, but on the very day he arrived the Native trouble broke out, and lie was sworn in as a militiaman. He was for some time in partnership with tho late Hon. J. Ballance as proprietors of the AYaiiganui Herald. Ho took an active interest in local affairs, and was instrumental in securing a reserve of 1200 acres for the town and in planting the town with trees. He took a keen interest in harbor and education matters. As member of Parliament for'the district he was a staunch advocato of AYangamii interests. He was held in great esteem by his fellow-citizens, fellow-members of Parliament, and all with whom he came in contact.

A AA'ANGANUI TRIBUTE. [Press Association.] AA'ANGANUI, August 27. Profound regret was expressed in town to-night when word was received that Air. A. D. Willis had passed away in Gisborne, where he had been very seriously ill for some days. Deceased, who was 66 years of age, had been a resident of Wanganui for 30 years, and was one of the most prominent public men. He was associated with the Borough Council, Harbor Board, etc., and represented Wanganui in Parliament for three sessions.