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a powerful and talented debater, a great administrative
organiser, possessed of rare and sound judgment, and a clear
and eloquent exponent of the laws relating to local government
of the Parish in all its branches. Above all his
unselfish fidelity and honesty of purpose were paramount
in his transactions with the Vestry. The Vestry recognising
in him these great qualities he was selected to fill the
following important positions:—He was elected a Member
of the Sewer and Sanitary Committee, and chosen Chairman
for two years. Subsequently he was appointed a Member
of the General Purposes Committee, and for nine successive
years he performed the onerous duties of Chairman with
conspicuous ability. He also rendered good and faithful
services as Overseer of the Poor for two years; and on the
Metropolis Valuation Act (1869) coming into operation, he
was elected the Chairman of the Assessment Committee,
and all the Assessments of this large Parish were then
revised and settled under the Act. The Vestry in 1885
were empowered to elect an additional Member to the
Metropolitan Board of Works, and Mr. Middlemass was
cordially and unanimously elected a representative. His
extensive knowledge of Parochial affairs, together with his
genial and kind manners, won for him the regard and
esteem of his fellow Vestrymen. The Vestry, in bearing a
tribute of respect to his memory, desire not to forget his
bereaved widow and family; and they respectfully tender
them their heartfelt sorrow at the loss they have sustained
by his death, and their sincere condolence in their heavy
bereavement."