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TRAGIC DEATH AN OFFICIAL (continuation.)
A large number of spectators on seeing Mr. Barnes fall from his horse rushed to the spot in order to render any necessary assistance. Among the foremost was Surgeon Hastings of the Royal Naval Hospital, who made every endeavour at resuscitation. His efforts were, however, unsuccessful, and the body of the late Colonial Secretary was conveyed to the Government Civil Hospital. Death is said to have been due to heart failure.
The tragic affair cast quite a gloom over the Colony, for Mr. Barnes had made many staunch friends during the few months he had been in Hongkong. Succeeding Sir Henry May, the late Mr. Barnes took up his official duties in a manner which at once hall-marked his ability and proved his sterling character as a man of affairs.
During the four and a half months in which he served the Colony, he showed himself to be in thorough touch with everything that was for the general welfare.
This is the second instance in local history that a Colonial Secretary has died while in residence here.
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