SUDDEN DEATH OF MR. H.J. AUSTEN - With feeling of profound regret we have to record the death of Mr. Henry Jeffrey Austen, Auctioneer, which occurred very suddenly on Friday last night. Mr. Austen was in his usual health of Friday morning, and proceeded to his business as usual, which on this occasion lay at Cryalls Farm, Brenchley. After a day's work, taking the inventory for Mr. T. Robert-Smith, who is living there, he partook of a hearty dinner with that gentleman, who is a teetotaler, Mr. Austen, in his usual social manner, drinking a bottle of ginger-beer with him. The ginger beer seemed to upset him, but on his arrival home to Marling Place the ill-effects seemed to pass off, and he then laid on the sofa. He was, however, taken a great deal worse and before medical assistance could be obtained, we are extremely sorry to say he died. It must have been a dreadful blow to his relatives, but as the news flashed around, everyone was sadly surprised and the sorrow felt is general among every class, rich and poor. Mr Austen was 63 years of age, and ever since he became of an eligible age for an auctioneer and valuer's licence has most successfully, to the satisfaction of all parties, carried on the business with thorough uprightness and strict integrity of character. His even and genial temper made him beloved by all classes with whom he came in contact, and he will be sadly missed for miles around. On Sunday, at the parish church, the Rev. C.C. Allen in his sermon spoke of his kindly manner, life of usefulness to his fellow parishioners and the sympathy of everyone with the family in their bereavement. The funeral will take place on Tuesday (this day) at the Parish Church.