“The news of the death of Mr John C. McKillop, the well-known Masterton settler, which occurred at a private hospital in Abel Smith street, Wellington, at an early hour on Saturday evening, will be received with profound regret throughout the Wairarapa.  The late Mr McKillop had been in indifferent health for some time, but it was not until he went, to Wellington two or three weeks ago as a delegate to the Council of Agriculture that serious symptoms presented themselves. He was removed to a private hospital, where it was found that he was suffering from Bright's disease, congestion of the lungs, and other complications. Under the best of medical and nursing attention he rallied for a few days, but on Friday last he took another serious turn, and he passed away as indicated above. The deceased, who .was forty-six years of age, was the only son of the late Mr Charles McKillop and Mrs McKillop. He was born in Masterton, and was educated at the local State school and at St. Patrick's College. When a young man, he was a prominent member of the Red Star Football Club. He took up the Puketiri estate at Stronvar years ago, and this he worked successfully. He recently purchased from the estate of his father the Goodlands estate at Te Ore Ore. He was a successful breeder of sheep and cattle, and in recent years had established a very fine herd of Hereford cattle. He was an enthusiastic member of the Farmers Union and of the Masterton A. and P. Association, and was vice-president of the latter at the time of his death. The late Mr McKillop was for years an officer of the Territorial forces, and was Captain of the Mounted Rifles. He served in the South African War in 1898. He left New Zealand as Major in charge of the 33rd Reinforcements, and went into action, being wounded in the foot and gassed. He had never properly recovered from his experiences in the war. He was married just prior to his return to New Zealand about twelve months ago. He is survived by a widow and an infant daughter, who will have widespread sympathy in their sad bereavement. His father died seven years ago, and his mother a year or two back. He has two sisters—Mrs George Dennis and Miss Maggie McKillop—while Mrs John Montgomery, of Masterton, is his aunt. The body will be brought to Masterton to-day and placed in St. Patrick's Church, where a Solemn Requiem Mass will be held at 10 o'clock to-morrow morning. The funeral will leave St. Patrick's Church for the Masterton cemetery at 11 o'clock. The deceased will be accorded a military funeral.”

WAIRARAPA AGE, 26 JULY 1920, PAGE 4