Henry Frederick William Wilkens, (1869-8/10/1915). "escape from death"

A man named William Wilkens, employed in Mr Frederic Bensemann's sawmill, Upper Moutere, was caught by one of his hands in a bolt yesterday and dashed against the machinery. His right arm, right leg and collarbone were broken. Prompt assistance threw the belt off the flywheel and stopped the engine, otherwise the man would have been dashed to pieces. He is doing well.  -Star, 13/1/1899.

Wakapuaka Cemetery, Nelson.

MR. H. F. W. WILKENS. 

The death occurred yesterday of Mr Henry Frederick William Wilkens, generally known as Mr William. Mr Wilkens was in his shop in Bridgestreet about 5 o'clock, when he suddenly expired from heart failure. He had been about as usual all day, but shortly before he died he complained of a soreness about the glands of the throat. Dr Johnston was summoned, but on arrival could only pronounce that deceased was beyond human aid.

The late Mr Wilkens was 46 years of age, and a native of Upper Moutere, his father being Mr Diedrich Wilkens. He completed his education at Nelson College. Later he was a carpenter and sawmiller, and some eighteen years ago he met with a serious accident at the Moutere, being caught on the belting at a mill and whirled round. He sustained severe injuries, and this escape from death was considered miraculous. Being prevented by the accident from following his occupation he decided to come to Nelson. He took over the Metropolitan Private Hotel, which he conducted admirably till recently, when he sold the premises. At the time of his death he was awaiting the completion of a new brick private hotel in Bridgestreet. He had hoped to be in his new premises by Show Week, next month. The contractors had been promised a bonus for anticipating the contract date, and were on the point of commencing overtime on the job. The late Mr Wilkens was Chairman of Directors of the Cash Drapery Co. He had also been a member of the City Council and the Town Schools Committee. For many years he was an enthusiastic supporter of cricket, and officiated as umpire at many important matches; but three or four years ago he adopted bowls and was an active member of the Maitai Bowling Club. He was an a member of Victory Masonic Lodge, and a Deacon of the Presbyterian Church. A widow and two sons are left. 

At the meeting of the City Council last evening Cr Hampson moved that a letter of condolence be sent to the widow of ex-Councillor Wilkens. The motion was seconded by Cr Webley and supported by the Mayor, the latter stating that he had been greatly shocked to hear of the death of Mr Wilkens, who had been a good Councillor and a public-spirited citizen. The Deacons' Court of the Presbyterian Church last evening passed a vote of sympathy with .the widow and family of the deceased. The funeral takes place to-morrow afternoon.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 9/10/1915.