September 18, 1903 - John Miller Obituary

“ARROWTOWN.

September 18. — The chief topic of conversation in our midst this week has been of the removal by death of our respected townsman, John Augustus Miller. It is the lot of but few, especially in a remote country place, to be as well known and as much revered as Mr Miller was. Having been connected with this paper for such a number of years, and having contributed largely to other papers and journals circulating freely in this district, the public were well acquainted with his opinions — opinions that were at all times freely expressed, although perhaps not always popular in the public sight. It is rare indeed to find a journalist who has the courage to express his convictions in such an explicit manner as the late writer of these notes. The life and times of deceased are known to most of’ the leaders of these columns; still, it has been such a prominent and diversified life that it will bear repetition. Although the son of German parents, John Augustus Miller was born under the British flag. A touch of romance surrounds his birth. His parents, natives and residents of Hamburg, removed shortly previous to his birth to Heligoland, at that time a British possession, the object of this being that in the event of a son being born he would be exempt from compulsory military service, conscription then, as now, being the law in Germany. After receiving a liberal education, Mr Miller was apprenticed to the sail and tent making, this trade afterwards proving of much value to him in his golddigging days in the colonies. At the news of the discovery of gold in Australia, he was seized with the desire to try his fortune in the wonderful treasure land of the south. Arriving in Victoria about the year 1856, he followed most of the most important rushes, searching for the precious metal with varying success, and what is of more importance to the many who have benefited by his great knowledge of the subject, obtaining practical knowledge of mining and fostering his inclinations towards his favourite study, geology. On the news of gold being discovered in New Zealand, he left Australia for this colony, and since then he has resided continually on the goldfields, devoting his time to mining and improving his knowledge of the English language and literature. Well informed on a great variety of subjects, his writings have been of an extremely broad range. Mining, geology, botany, fiction, art, and literature have all been written on in such an explicit and lucid manner as to show his extensive grasp of the subjects treated. In his contributions to this page, in treating of local matters, although not always taking the popular view of things, he kept public needs prominently to the fore, and there is no doubt his contributions were universally looked for and appreciated. As a citizen and neighbour he was exemplary. Of a genial and kindly disposition, he had gained the full confidence and respect of his fellow citizens. For some considerable time he had been suffering from a painful complication of troubles, and underwent an operation in the Frankton Hospital, this extreme measure proving but a temporary relief. After a brief return to semi-active life, during which he resumed his contributions to this page, he became an inmate of the Arrow Hospital, and seemed to be slowly but surely recovering his health. He had improved so much that about three weeks ago he returned home, where he continued to make headway. On Saturday week last, however, he caught a chill, which settled on the lungs. He was removed to the hospital on Friday. All that medical skill could do was done to arrest the malady, but it was not to be, and deceased passed quietly away at 3.30 on Sunday morning. Through all his painful and trying illness he exhibited the greatest patience and fortitude, and though at times but partly conscious, evinced the greatest gratitude for any little kindness tendered. The funeral was held on Wednesday afternoon, many coming from a great distance to show the last marks of respect to deceased. The Rev. D. K. Fisher conducted an impressive service at the graveside, and feelingly referred to deceased’s long and interesting career.”

Source: OTAGO WITNESS, ISSUE 2584, 23 SEPTEMBER 1903, PAGE 31 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19030923.2.122.1)