He dies suddenly in the Greyhound Hotel.

It is with the profoundest regret that we have to record this week the death of Dr William Christian Selle, a well-known figure in Richmond life. The sad event occurred on Tuesday morning in the saloon bar of the Greyhound Hotel, and its suddenness, although it is not to be wondered at seeing that the aged Doctor had reached the ripe old age of 86, created a painful sensation in the town and among his host of friends. The deceased gentleman had been to Strawberry Hill in the morning to see someone about his violin, and on returning to Richmond went into the Greyhound Hotel. He was then apparently in his usual spirits. The doctor ordered some ginger brandy but before he could be served he sat down and suddenly expired. At the time there were two strangers in the bar, and medical aid was at once procured, and Dr Boulter arrived only to find that the old gentleman had passed away. The police then appeared on the scene, and the body was conveyed to the mortuary to await the inquest. Dr Boulter, however, who had attended the Doctor of late, was able to give a certificate, which the coroner accepted, and therefore a public inquiry was not needed.

Dr Selle was, perhaps, one of the best-known of our older residents. He was, indeed, one of our Richmond characters; he was associated with the place. Ever active, even in his old age, he was frequently to be seen about the streets dressed as was his wont in a familiar 'sombrero' hat which was characteristic of himself. For some years past increasing infirmities had told upon him, and latterly he had become very feeble, while his partial blindness made it difficult for him to get about.

The deceased gentleman ever took an active part in local affairs, and in the Richmond Select Vestry was one of its most active members. It was in 1853, when he joined that body at the time the members were elected for life, a system he always objected to, and which he endeavoured to do away with because he thought that when men represented the people, the people should have an opportunity of electing them year by year. He was an ardent debater, and took an interest in his work. He was one of the original members of the Water Supply Committee, and he heartily co-operated with Messrs Gascoigne, Sims, and Carless, and those associated with those gentlemen, in establishing the present local supply. He was also a member of the Sewerage and Works Committee, and, in fact, he was associated with every work the Vestry had in hand up to 1890, when his membership ceased. When Richmond was granted its Charter of Incorporation, Dr Selle was a candidate at the first election for the West Ward, but was not successful. At this time age was beginning to tell upon him, and since then he has not been heard of in local affairs except as an interested spectator.

In politics he was a Liberal of the old school, true to his colours, and he never shrank from expressing his opinions fearlessly. As a believer in Mr Gladstone, he had been heard to say that it was his wish to live as long as the great statesman, a wish that has been fulfilled. He was one of the foremost in any contest, and for many years was an active member of the Richmond Liberal Association. When the club was formed, with its headquarters in Parkshot, he was frequently seen there when debates and discussions were on.

The doctor was also a good chess player, and was actively associated with the old local Chess Club, then a powerful society. At that time he met some of the prominent chess masters of the day, and was awarded a medal, which carried with it the Amateur Championship of England. He was also a keen angler and was acquainted with some of the best fishing spots of the river.

Dr Selle leaves behind an aged widow and two married daughters. He had four daughters and one son, whose death, some few years ago, he greatly felt. One daughter married Mr H Buxton Foreman C.B. of the Telegraphic Department of the Post Office, while two others married gentlemen of the name of Bull, one the son of the then proprietor of the Castle Hotel, and the other of the firm of Messrs Ventom (?), Bull and Cooper, the well-known auctioneers.

The funeral takes place at noon today at the Richmond Cemetery.