■--■ MR F. C. TABART. The many friends of Mr Francis C. Tabart, the 'well-known auctioneer, will reuret 10 hear of his death, which took place early this morning, at his- residence, Opawa. Mr Tabarc lias had several attacks of influenza during the past four years, and had been coiifkied to his bed with another attack during the past fortnight. Although very ill for the past week, he vallied somewhat yesterday, but succumbed at fi\-e> o'clock this i%ornhvir. Mr Tabart came- to New Zealand from Tasmania about thirt-v years ago, and joined the firm of Mark Sprott and Co., on the West Coast, and afterwards carried on. business there on his own. account. In 1878 he came to Christchureli and joined the firm of Robert Wilkin and Co.. 'with whom he remained until the dissolution of the business. , He subsequently started the linn of which he was the he-ad up till the time of Ins death. He- was a familiar iiiruie at the Addiiigtcn market, where- h- was most popular, as, Indeed he was with all classes of the community. Mr Tabart was for some years honorary judge for the Canterbury Jockey Cub. and' upon his retiring from that' position, a little over two years ago. the club nni'le him a. handsome presentation, and elected him a- Sife member. A widow and two sons and six daughttis ara teit to HhHirn their loss. The funeral "will take ■ place at 3.30 p.m. to-morrow. The flairs on all the auctioneers' offices' were Hying at half-mast to-day, out of lesp«U "io th.o nuacury of the deceased.