Fn.neis Williamson Esq, of \\ aitotara so wall and favourably known throughout this district, who died on the 2Uth instant, w.as a near relative of the Messrs Wil ii.'inisnn of Kakaramea. The Wanganui Ifcr.ild referring to the deceased gentleman savs :—Francis Williamson, Esq,, of. linenos Aires Station, expired on I 1 riday the iOtli instant, at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr Andrews, Waiiotara, in the (idtli year ut his age, alter a lingering illness. Mr Williamson was horn in Midlothian, Scotland, and arrived in Wan ganui upwards of BO years ago ; he was consequently one of the earliest settlers. Before leaving for New Zealand Mr Wil liamson held the important post of Curator of the Sheffield Botanical Gardens, where lie acquired a vast amount of; knowledge and personal experience. There being no opnortunily for the practice of his profession in the infant days of the colony, he went into farm nig, hut as soon as the growth of the settlement, presented a prospect of success Mr Williamson established a nursery, in which he soon ‘‘olleeted a largo variety of botanical specimens, the district deriving the hcnclif. It was one of the distinguishing iealures of Mr Williamson’s character dial, entirely regardless of gain, he was always en thusiastic in his profession, ife had a hue eye for the beautiful, and the prospect of an artistic landscape was in itself suliicieiit reward. Jlis keen imaginative grasp, which constituted Ins great success as a landscape gardener, was even carried into theology, and he found scope in the grand imaginary ami profound speculation, of Swedenborg. Mr Williamson was a warm hearted friend, sincere and loyal, and prepared to carry his friendship into all (lie affairs of life, and was also active in public affairs, having- occupied with a (vantage to Wanganui, the position of Chairman of the Town Board. He took great interest in polities. For three or four years Mr Williamson has been living retired on his station. The deceased gciitlemau leaves a wife and family and a large number of relations. The Post and Telegraph Offices will ho I combined at Mauutalii on and after the Ist i August. i The Sheep,owners Petition intended for | presentation lo the Assembly as to the late appointment of Inspector is being numerously signed. 