THE LATE MR. W.H. BEW

Seldom has then been evoked a more profound and sincere expression of sorrowful regret than has been the case during the past week, on Its becoming known that Mr. W. M. Bew, of the Poplars, London-road, had after a very brief illness passed away. Mr. Bew was during early part of the week apparently In the full enjoyment of his usual health, but on Friday evening be was seized with illness, and on Sunday morning death ensued.

Mr Bew was born at Thatcham where his father was a medical practitioner. The son however followed the profession of a schoolmaster and was articled to Mr. Corbould, of Woodspeen House, where he was educated. Subsequently Mr. Bew established a school of his own, conducted for a time at Marsh Cottage Newbury, and afterwards at Speen Hill, where he was succeeded in 1860 by Mr. Guyer who still carries it on.

Being able to retie upon a competency at a comparatively early age, Mr. Bew has for nearly thirty years occupied himself in various public and private ways of usefulness so that of him it may truly be said that he has faithfully served his day and generation. Though not occupying a prominent position in public life, from which his quiet and retiring disposition led him to shrink, Mr. Bew was not without considerable public spirit, and his advice and suggestions were often of great weight.

For a number of years he was the local secretary of the British and Foreign Bible Society, an institution which always had his warmest sympathy and aid. He was also secretary to the local auxiliary to the London Missionary Society, in which he was equally interested. It was however rather in private life that his benevolence and practical sympathy will be cherished. His kind interest in the welfare of all his neighbours, particularly of those through age or affliction stood specially in need of comfort and advice, have won for him on all sides an affectionate esteem and the warmest regard.

Of his personal character it may truly be said that few men have more fully exemplified the Christian grace of charity. No harsh word on the conduct or character of others was ever heard upon his lips, and a genial desire to speak a word in season, to afford advice and help in time of need, and to promote good feeling among all deserve to be had in lasting remembrance.

Young men entering upon life were specially the objects of of his solicitude, and particularly was his interest shown in the progress and success of any of his old pupils between whom and himself there ever existed the warmest mutual regard.

Mr. Bew was never married, but leaves behind two sisters for whom, one of them being a confirmed invalid, great sympathy is expressed.

The funeral taks place this morning at Newbury Cemetery, at 11.30.