heart. Allow me to say that our departed friend was a good colonist, a steady friend of education, and in his profession facile princeps."[1] The funeral procession was witnessed by a dense crowd of spectators, and the remains were followed to their last resting-place by a very large number of the leading citizens of Dunedin. Mr Blair, who was married in 1867, leaves a widow and six children—four sons and two daughters.
The following tribute to Mr Blair's worth is recorded in the minutes of Knox Church Session:—"Mr W. N. Blair arrived in Otago in 1863, and shortly thereafter attached himself to Knox Church. For over a score of years, as a member and office-bearer, he loyally identified himself with its varied works. When the financial arrangements for proceeding with the erection of the new church were settled, he was appointed convener of the Building Committee. In this position he worked most wisely, and in due course handed over to the congregation a temple as perfectly adapted for Divine worship as its architecture is beautiful. In doing so he fully acknowledged the constant and efficient assistance he received from his committee. In all his church relations Mr Blair manifested a truly Christian spirit, rejoicing with the happy, sympathising with the sorrowful, and always ready to help the brotherhood as he had opportunity. The Session desire to record their satisfaction with the promotion which rewarded his professional ability, and in time raised him to the position of Chief Engineer of the colony; and above all with his character as a man of honour and of Christian worth and wisdom. The Session record their sympathy with Mrs Blair and the family in their sore bereavement, and the delight with which they shall receive tidings of their well-being and well-doing, and direct their clerk to forward a copy of this minute to Mrs Blair."
Yet another recent removal of an office-bearer of Knox Church has to be recorded—that of Mr Hugh Kirkpatrick, who died at his residence, Closeburn Station, on July 11, 1891, in the 72nd year of his age, leaving a widow, eight children, and three grand-children to mourn his loss.
Hugh Kirkpatrick was born in Dumfries-shire in 1819, and received a good general education in the school of his native parish.
- ↑ Otago Daily Times, May 8, 1891.
