James Stirling Aitken, (1852-17/4/1878). "a young life full of promise"

 DEATH.

Aitken. — On April 17, suddenly, James Stirling Aitken, of Rockwood, Mount Eden, nephew of Mr. William Aitken. of this city, aged 20 years. The funeral will take place this afternoon, at 3 o'clock.   -NZ Herald 18/4/1878.

SUDDEN DEATH IN FORT-STREET.

Yesterday forenoon Mr. James Stirling Aitken, aged 26 years, nephew of Mr. William Aitken, fell down in Fort-street, and expired in a few minutes afterward. Mr. Aitken was on his way to Messrs. Jackson and Russell's office with some documents, when he fell in front of Messrs. Cochrane and Son's auction mart. Mr. Coglan, storeman to Messrs. Cochrane, observed his fall, and, accompanied by Mr. Keesing, Mr. Sandford, and others, went to his assistance. Mr. Aitken was then breathing heavily, but this indication of life soon ceased. Dr. Lee and Dr. Hooper speedily arrived, but the case was one beyond the power of medical aid, for life was extinct. The body was soon afterward removed to the house of Mr. William Aitken, at Mount Eden, where deceased had resided. The cause of death was apoplexy, but the existence of any tendency to such a complaint was quite unsuspected; and Dr. Philson, who has been the family physician for years, had no idea that there was any risk of an attack of the kind. The occurrence caused a painful feeling throughout the town yesterday, deceased having been well known and highly esteemed. Mr. Aitken had been studying law for five years with Messrs. Hesketh and Richmond. He had completed his articles, had passed his preliminary examinations with great credit, and was about to undergo his final examination for admission as a barrister. Mr. Aitken was a most exemplary young man, an earnest student, and one who displayed marked ability in the profession he had chosen — a young life full of promise, suddenly taken away, to the deep regret of a large number of friends. Dr. Lee having certified to the cause of death, no inquest will be necessary, it may be added that the deceased had taken the preliminary steps to insure his life in the Mutual Providence Association, and he was to have been examined by the medical officer, Dr. Goldsbro, as soon as an opportunity occurred. The father of deceased died some years ago; his mother is still alive. The funeral will take place this day (Thursday), at 3 o'clock, from the house at Mount Eden.  -NZ Herald, 18/4/1878.

The funeral of the late James Stirling Aitken, whose sudden and untimely death occurred on Wednesday, took place yesterday, from his uncle's house at Rockwood, Mount Eden. Here were gathered more than forty carriages containing persons who sympathised with the bereaved family. Before the removal of the remains, the Rev. Mr. Carrick, of St. Andrew's, delivered an appropriate and affecting prayer, and at the grave, to which the body was followed by numbers on foot and horseback, as well as in vehicles, the Rev. Mr. Bruce read the funeral service with feeling and impressiveness. The memory of the late young man, — his kindness, his intellectual ability, and his blameless life, will be long cherished by those who knew and loved him, and these were not a few.  -NZ Herald, 19/4/1878.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.