DEATH.
On the 8th February, at her residence, the Criterion Hotel, Ellen, the beloved wife of Mr William Thompson, aged 49 years. -Otago Daily Times, 9/2/1878.
FUNERAL NOTICE.
THE Friends of Mr William Thompson are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of his late WIFE, which will leave his residence, the Criterion Hotel, for the Northern Cemetery, on SUNDAY, the 10th instant, at 3 p.m. GOURLEY & LEWIS, Undertakers, George and Maclaggan streets. -Otago Daily Times, 9/2/1878.
CRITERION HOTEL
PRINCES STREET, Dunedin.
FIRST CLASS ACCOMMODATION. Private Sitting and Bedrooms for Famlilies. Hot and Cold Baths.
WILLIAM THOMPSON. Proprietor. -Lyttelton Times, 21/10/1880.
The license for the Criterion Hotel was transferred to William Haydon in June, 1882.
COMPLIMENTARY BANQUET TO
WILLIAM THOMPSON, Esq.
(Prior to his departure for Japan),
LYCEUM HALL, THURSDAY, 14th JUNE, At 8 p.m.
His Worship the Mayor In the Chair.
Tickets, 7s 6d (admitting; ladies to the dress-circle)
Tickets obtainable from Messrs West, Braithwaite, Low, or any Member of the Committee.
Mr B. Willis, Coffee Palace, caterer. -Otago Daily Times, 13/6/1883.
VALEDICTORY DINNER.
A farewell dinner was given at the Lyceum yesterday to Mr Williim Thompson, an old resident of Dunedin, who is about to leave here on a long tour. The affair was got up by members of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, of which body Mr Thompson was an influential member. About fifty gentlemen were present, and several ladies occupied seats in the gallery, where they were supplied with refreshments. The stage was occupied by an orchestra, composed mainly of the Freethought Band, including several of its lady instrumentalists. Mr H. J. Walter presided, in the unavoidable absence of the Mayor; and the vice-chairmen were Bro. J. Boyd, of the Grand Lodge I.O.O.F., and Dr Stenhouse, R.W.M. of Lodge Celtic, Mr Willis, of the Coffee Palace, catered.
The Chairman, after reading several apologia for non-attendance, proposed the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, which were duly honored. That of “The Army, Navy, and Volunteers” was responded to by Lieutenant-colonel STAVELY.
Mr T, S Graham. Grand Master of the English Constitution of Freemasons, in proposing the toast of "The Guest of the Evening,” said, they had met to give Mr Thompson an expression of their respect and esteem, and he only regretted that the compliment was a farewell one instead of being one of welcoming him back to our shores. He would speak of Mr Thompson as he had found him, and that was as everybody with whom he had been brought in contact found him; he was a man who was to be found taking part in every good work and in every charitable work in Dunedin, and he not only lent them a helping hand, but dipped freely into his purse to assist them. He was sure he only spoke the sentiments of all their guest’s friends when he wished Mr Thompson a speedy return to Dunedin. As head of a section of the Masonic Fraternity, he must express their everlasting indebtedness to Mr Thompson, who had devoted a large sum of money for the establishment of a widows’ and orphans’ fund in connection with the Fraternity. He was a citizen who could indeed ill be spared, and all would join in a hearty wish for his future happiness and for his speedy return to this City.
This toast was warmly received.
In responding Mr Thompson, after expressing his sense of the high compliment paid him, said he scarcely thought the last speaker should have divulged some of his secret doings; but, these having been made public, he would say that he considered he had only been doing what was the duty of all to do as far as lay in their power, and that he purposed doing more. He had made provisions for subsidising another widows and orphans’ fund, which would be open to all sects and creeds, and would therefore be of general benefit. Some other gentlemen bad taken up the matter with him, and the public would probably hear more about the matter shortly. — (Loud applause)
The other toasts were “The Grand Lodge I.O.O.F." proposed by Mr W. M. Bolt, and acknowledged by Bro, Naphtali; "Friendly Societies,” proposed by Mr James Gore, acknowledged by Bro. Boyd; “Success to the Masonic Body in Otago,” proposed by Mr R. Stout, acknowledged by Bro. Graham; “Success to the Trade and Commerce of Dunedin,” proposed by Mr H, Bastings, acknowledged by Mr A. Dornwell; “The Chairman,” proposed by Mr Q. W. Eliott, and duly acknowledged; “The Ladies,” proposed by Bro Joseph Baxter, acknowledged by Mr O. Hodge; and “The Press.”
During the evening Bro. Louis Court, in the unavoidable absence of D.M. Bro, Harvey, presented an illuminated address to Bro. Thompson as follows:
Lodge Otago Kilwinning, No. 417, S.C.
Certificate of Honorary Membership. Proposed by P.M. Bro. Court, seconded by R.W.M. Bro. Rees — "That Bro. William Thompson, of Lodge Celtic, No. 477, S.C., be elected an honorary member of this Lodge, in recognition of the important services he has rendered to the craft." — Carried unanimously.
D.M. Bro. Campbell proposed, and P.M. Bro. Court seconded — "That an engrossed extract of the minutes be prepared and presented to Bro. Thompson.” — Carried unanimously. We hereby certify that the above is a true and faithful extract.
Henry Neill, R.W.M.
Godfrey C. Jeffrey, Sec.
After this, Dr Stenhouse said; Gentlemen, — As R.W.M of Lodge Celtic, the duty — and I may as well say that it is a pleasing one — of presenting our worthy guest with a slight recognition of our regard for him in the shape of an illuminated address, has devolved upon me. It would ill become me in your presence to say anything eulogistic of him, for I have ever observed that when a man is capable of a generous act he shrinks with instinctive modesty from anything like an ostentatious parade of the same; nor is it necessary upon the present occasion, for everyone here who is at all conversant with Masonic matters is aware of what he has done for the cause of Freemasonry in Dunedin. The example of generosity he has set to the brethren of the craft is all the more valuable that we live in an age which, in my opinion, much prominence is given to the mere possession of wealth, apart from its beneficent use, and in which a man is more frequently estimated by what he has rather than by what he is or by what he does. Let us hope that our guest's example will not be lost upon the brethren, but that other wealthy merchants may emulate his conduct, and secure to the Freemasons of Dunedin a Masonic Hall entirely clear of debt. As for you, Brother Thompson, I am sure that in acting as you have done you have erected for yourself in the affectionate remembrances of your Masonic brethren a monument more enduring than brass. I need not, Mr Chairman, detain the company longer, but will proceed to read the address, which is as follows:
To Brother William Thompson.
We, the R.W.M., office-bearers, and brethren of your mother Lodge, take the opportunity of your removal from our midst to convoy to you our high appreciation of your worth as a man, and of your seal and fidelity as a Mason.
Amongst the craft in Dunedin there is no name more familiar or more respected than your own, and justly so, because you have shown yourself on many occasions to be deeply imbued with the true Masonic spirit.
It is not many months since Lodge Celtic conferred upon you the dignity of an honorary member, to mark its sense of your princely munificence in contributing so liberally to the building fund of the new Masonic Hall.
On parting with you, while we cannot refrain from expressing our personal regrets, and assuring you that you carry with you not only the respect but the deep and grateful affections of all your brethren, we deplore it more on account of Freemasonry in general, to which your loss in these parts is well nigh irreparable; and it will be long before the void caused by your absence can be filled.
In conclusion, we heartily recommend you to the fraternal regards and affections of Masons everywhere, and we pray that the sunshine of prosperity may continue to brighten your path, and that the G.A.O.T.U. may long preserve you in the land of the living in the enjoyment of health and happiness. — We are, dear sir and brother, yours fraternally, William M. Stenhouse, R.W.M., Lodge Celtic, 477 S.C.
Mr Thompson briefly acknowledged both testimonials. -Evening Star, 15/6/1883.
A social gathering was held in the Lyceum last night to celebrate the return of Mr William Thompson (a prominent member of the Freethought Association) to Dunedin. The chair was occupied by Mr W. M. Bolt, who delivered a short address on matters connected with the Association, and also congratulated Mr Thompson on his safe return to the colonies after an absence of nearly four years. The concert portion of the programme was gone through in a satisfactory manner, and the affair concluded with a dance, about fifty couples taking part in it. Mr E. Parker's band supplied a good programme of dance music. -Evening Star, 6/3/1886.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT.
This afternoon, about half-past three o’clock, Mr William Thompson, well-known as the late licensee of the Criterion Hotel, fell down an embankment in the neighborhood of his residence, Bell Tower, and suffered what are feared to be severe injuries. The fall was about 30ft, on to a brick footpath, and it is a miracle that he was not killed on the spot. Being conveyed to his home, Dr Wanless was called in, and found that Mr Thompson was suffering from concussion of the brain and severe internal injuries. Just as we are going to press we learn that the patient is progressing as favorably as can be expected. -Evening Star, 23/6/1888.
SUPREME COURT - IN CHAMBERS
Re Charles Roberts (deceased). — Summons for writ of attachment (Mr Callaway). To This was a summons to William Thompson and Richard Brew to show cause why the Equitable Insurance Association might not be at liberty to issue a writ or writs of attachment against them for their contempt in not filing in the office of the Supreme Court a full and distinct account of their administration of the estate of Charles Roberts, deceased, setting forth the dates and particulars of all receipts and disbursements, duly verified by affidavit, pursuant to the order of the Court, and why they might not be ordered to pay the Equitable Insurance Association its costs, upon the grounds (1) that the order of the Court was duly served upon Richard Brew on the 22nd August, and on William Thompson on the 11th September; and (2) that the account in writing so ordered to be filed and verified bad not been filed. Sir Robert Stout appeared on behalf of William Thompson, and said that, so far as his client was concerned, he would be only too happy to render accounts, but all the papers were in Brew’s possession. — Mr Gallaway said that Brew had been served with notice, but there was no appearance for him. — His Honor; If process has been served and you file an affidavit of service, you can go on without him. — Sir R. Stout and Mr Gallaway both expressed their disinclination to proceed in the absence of Brew. — His Honor: The only thing is that they may not contemplate that an opposed motion would be taken at this time of the afternoon, and I think it had better stand over till next Chambers day. If he is not present then the writ can go. -Evening Star, 26/9/1891.
THE LATE MR THOMPSON.
It in with sincere regret that we announce the violent death of Mr William Thompson, a well-known and highly-respected resident of Dunedin. Deceased was born in England, and came out as a lad to Victoria in the James Bain in 1859, it being always understood that he was at first employed as servant in one of the leading hotels at Ballarat. Possessed of application and ability for work, he was not long in rising to the position of an employer, and, coming to Dunedin shortly after the time of the rush, he became associated with Mr Winstanley in the proprietorship of the Scandinavian Hotel in Maclaggan street: a house that did a large business with country boarders. After a while Mr Thompson took the Red Lion Hotel in Stafford street, out of which business he sold about eighteen years ago, and then started for a tour of the world, spending a considerable time in Japan. On returning to Dunedin he became licensee of the Criterion Hotel, eventually selling out to the present proprietor. Mr Thompson has since then led a very active life, taking a deep interest in works of philanthropy, and devoting a great portion of his time to the management of the affairs of friends who at death made him their trustee. He was a large-hearted, generous man, and we happen to know that in several instances he was the loyal and abiding friend of the orphan and the widow, carrying out, as his means would allow, schemes which he had conceived in the interests of his proteges. These, and the hobby of vine-growing, constituted the main portions of his daily duty; but, besides, he was a warm supporter of the Freethought Association, and one who never grudged assistance to the Masonic body and the Oddfellows. The circumstances under which he died are detailed in the report of the inquest appearing below, and we need therefore say nothing as to the manner of his death further than this: that he was one of the last men we should have expected to commit suicide. He was not in money difficulties, but it is an open secret that for some time past he had been worried over matters connected with the settlement of the late Mr Charles Roberts's affairs, and the fact may be here stated that the pistol which he used is the one with which Roberts shot himself. Mr Thompson was a widower, his only relatives, so far as we know, being a sister in Victoria and two nephews in this country.
The inquest was held at 12.30 this afternoon at the deceased's house, in Dowling street. Mr J. B. Thomson was chosen foreman of the jury, the other jurors being Messrs B. Q. Smith, S. Da Leon, D. D. MacDonald, T. Cornish, and J. F. Nixson.
Sir R. Stout was present on behalf of the executors. Sergeant-major Bevin conducted the proceedings on behalf of the police.
The following evidence was given:
George H. Minifie, compositor: I identify the body shown to the jury as that of William Thompson. He was formerly landlord of the Red Lion and Criterion Hotels. I have been residing with him. He was my guardian under my mother's will. About four years ago he met with a serious accident that fractured his skull, and his life was despaired of for some time. Since then be sometimes appeared to be affected by things that before the accident did not worry him. He was subject at times to fits of despondency. Lately he seemed to be troubling himself with a court case that was in hand. There was an action in the Supreme Court brought against him and another. On Saturday he appeared to be in better spirits than he had been during the past two or three weeks. He was going about as usual. I was in bed till half-past eight yesterday morning. My room is above the one next to his. I got up directly I awoke. I heard no report. At 8 30 my brother Charlie told me that there was a strong smell of powder in Mr Thompson's room. He had been sent to call Mr Thompson to breakfast. Mrs Arthur asked me to go into the room and see what was the matter. The door was fastened, but not locked. I went in. There was a smell of powder. I saw Mr Thompson lying on the bed, with a small pistol in his right hand, There were marks of blood on his face and blood was coming from his ear. I saw that he was shot. He appeared to be dead. I did not disturb the body, but finished dressing myself, and then ran first to Dr Ferguson's and then to Dr Hocken's, I found Dr Hocken at home. I then reported the matter to the police. Dr Hocken was at the house when I returned. I had seen the pistol, or one like it, in the house before. I last saw it in the cupboard six or eight months ago. Mr Thompson was not a heavy drinker, and had not been suffering from the effects of drink. He seemed to be troubling a great deal about the court case.
Sir R. Stout: I knew the deceased. I saw him on Friday, about twelve o'clock. He had been greatly worried about an action brought against him by Mrs Brew. He did not blame Mrs Brew, but attributed the action to Mr Brew, though Mr Brew was joined as defendant with him. The charge in the action was breach of trust against him and Mr Brew in settling some claims in Roberts's estate. Practically the sum involved was small, and could not have injured him, as he was a man of fair means and held three annuities, but it was the fact of an action being brought against him, as he said, unjustly. He termed it a blackmailing action for the sole purpose of compelling him to pay some calls on Equitable Insurance shares which Mrs Brew had covenanted to pay, He had handed over all Roberts's estate, after paying all the usual charges, to Mrs Brew, and she had covenanted to pay any charge that might come on the estate. There were some Equitable Insurance shares held in the estate, and there were calls made on them, and I understood from Mr Thompson that he had asked Mr Brew to pay them, but Mr Brew had declined. Mr Wm. Macgregor had been acting for Mr Brew, and also, I believe, for Mr Thompson, in an action against them for calls. Judgment was given against them for the calls, and Thompson then asked them to settle it. Brew declined, and Mrs Brew then brought action against Thompson and Brew, alleging breaches of trust in the estate. Thompson told me he had done nothing in the estate whatever without both Mr and Mrs Brew's sanction, and the fact that he was sued made him feel strongly. He said it was base ingratitude. When I saw him on Friday he seemed very much depressed. I told him he should not worry, that he had nothing to fear, that everything would come right, and that there was no chance of his losing money, but that it be did it would not matter. He said it was not money that troubled him. He used very strong language about Mr Brew and his solicitor, It seemed to rankle in his mind. He seemed more depressed on the Friday than I had ever seen him. Since his accident his brain has been. affected, and I noticed a great change, though during the past year I thought he was better. He was, however, subject to fits of depression, and easily excited. I could not say that his mind was unhinged when I saw him, but he was in such a a state of despondency, worrying himself more than he needed to, that from what I have read I should think that his mind might have become unhinged at any moment.
To the jury: There was nothing in his financial position to worry him at all.
Charles Minifie, thirteen years of age, said: On Saturday night Mr Thompson seemed in good spirits at tea time. He went out about nine o'clock, He generally went out on Saturday night to get a shave and a bath. I did not see him again till about twenty five minutes to eight on Sunday morning, when, as I was going downstairs, he called to me. I looked in to his bedroom and be said: "Make up the fire with ashes for the day, and see what the thermometer is up to." It was usual for him to have the fires made up at that time. At a quarter to eight I got the key of the gate from his room, putting my hand inside without going into the room, and after unlocking the gate I took the key back. I did not go inside the room. There was no smell of powder then. At half-past eight Mrs Arthur, the housekeeper, sent me to call Mr Thompson. His door was shut then. It was open when I left it before. I called out to him three times, but got no answer. I opened the door, thinking to wake him up, and then I smelt powder and saw a cartridge on the table. I noticed that his right hand was on his chest. I told Mrs Arthur that Mr Thompson had shot himself, and she sent George to see if it was true.
To the jury: I do not know what time Mr Thompson came home on Saturday night.
John McIvor, barman at the Shades Hotel: I saw deceased on Saturday night about 10.30; and had a conversation with him. He was in his usual spirits, rather jocular, as was his custom. He was perfectly sober.
Charles Bills, bird-dealer, who had known deceased for about twenty-three years, said that Mr Thompson was very much cut up about the action, and while he was working in his greenhouse on Thursday last he said: "If it wasn't for having this to attend to I believe they would drive me mad." He said he did not care a snap for the money, but it was the usage to which he was being subjected. He had been previously speaking in a hopeful way of a recent trip and the prospects of the colony, but as soon as he spoke of the action he seemed to be a different man.
Constable Willis also gave evidence.
At this stage the proceedings were adjourned till to-morrow to permit of the attendance of Dr Hocken. At the suggestion of the jury the Coroner also promised to procure the attendance of the barber who shaved Mr Thompson on Saturday. The remains of the late Mr W. Thompson will be removed to the Masonic Hall after the inquest and at the funeral, which will probably take place on Wednesday, the services will be conducted by the Masonic fraternity and the Oddfellows. -Evening Star, 28/9/1891.
DUNEDIN NOTES.
(From our own Correspondent.)
People living in the vicinity of Dowling-street were thrown into a state of excitement on Sunday morning last on learning that William Thompson, probably one of the best known men in Dunedin, and a colonist of thirty years' standing, had shot himself through the brain and was dead. Thompson was a retired publican, having been at one time proprietor of the Red Lion hotel and subsequently of the Criterion. Those were the days when money circulated with a velocity unknown to these degenerate times, and before prohibition had chipped the shell and came out screaming into the world. Like many more snug old boys around here, Thompson made a hatful of money, and, installing himself in a 'pretty villa, passed his days, looking after his vinery or amusing himself generally with his flowers and fruit trees. In fact, the last thing he concerned himself about in this world before making the plunge was his vinery. "Bank up the fire for the day in the vinery" was the last order he gave, as he lay in bed in the quiet of last Sabbath morning, and in a few minutes afterwards, while the boy was carrying out his instructions, he heard the report of a pistol, burning powder was smelt through the house, and on entering the room Thompson was found still in bed with the fatal weapon clutched tightly in his hand, and his head and face blown into an almost unrecognisable mass of bones and pulp. And that's how he sped away, crimsoned with his own blood, into the presence of his Maker. And the motive for the desperate deed? Well, the fact is, it is almost too paltry, too contemptible, to merit attention. It was nothing but a commonplace, vulgar dispute between himself and another party in connection with a will under which he had been appointed a legatee — a trumpery bit of trouble that strong men are accustomed to run against any day in the week, and are never much the worse of it. Thompson was a Freethinker and a prominent member of that disorganised body in the days when Sir Robert Stout was enthroned in the Lyceum. He advanced a considerable sum of money for the erection of that building, as also to the Masonic Hall and other institutions, the conditions being that the interest was to be paid during his lifetime, the principle not to be paid at all. What a pity he didn't tie up and secure his life with half the solicitude he did his money! It is rather a striking coincidence that the pistol with which Thompson took his life was the same weapon with which Roberts, another suicide, killed himself some time ago, and that out of Roberts' will, under which Thompson was appointed legatee, arose the little vexation that drove him to the coward's last resource. -Tuapeka Times, 3/10/1891.
It is understood that the will of the late William Thompson, of Dunedin, leaves everything to the Benevolent Institution, which benefits to the extent of about £3,000. All the members of his family are left out, to the general surprise, as his declared intentions were to provide for them. -Lake County Press, 8/10/1891.
WEDNESDAY, 10th AUGUST, At 2 o'clock.
In the estate of the late William Thompson.
JAMES SAMSON & CO. have been favoured with instructions from the trustee in the above Estate to sell by auction, on the premises, Dowling street:
Household furniture, goods, chattels, and effects. No reserve.
WEDNESDAY, 10th AUGUST, At 2 o'clock.
FREEHOLD and LEASEHOLD PROPERTIES and HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE.
JAMES SAMSON & CO. have been favoured with instructions from the Executor in the Estate of the late William Thomson to sell by auction, on the Premises:
All that Parcel of Land, being Sections 24 and 25, Block XIV, Dunedin, together with seven-roomed Dwelling House and Outhouses, Large Vinery and Propagating Houses in full bearing, Japanese House and Curios.
This Property commands a beautiful view of the city and harbour, and is situated near the corner of Princes and Dowling streets, Dunedin. The Dowling street properties can be inspected at any time up to day of sale. Keys from the Auctioneers. -Otago Daily Times, 9/8/1892.
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