The death of a very old colonist - namely, Mr. Thomas Wilkinson, of Brunswick - is recorded, at the ripe age of eighty-two.

Mr. Wilkinson (says the "Telegraph") was formerly an officer of the London corporation, and up to the time of his decease enjoyed a superannuation allowance from that body. The deceased came to Tasmania in the year 1832, and was appointed instructor to the aborigines of a part of that colony. After the lapse of a few years he removed to Portland, Victoria, where he founded the "Portland Guardian" newspaper, and was proprietor and editor of the same. In 1851 he was elected by a large majority to represent Portland in the Legislative Council, which position he held up to the time of the inauguration of the new constitution.

About this period he removed to Brunswick, where he and the late Edward Stone Parker (the 'Black Protector') held a large section of country. When Brunswick was proclaimed a municipal borough, Mr. Wilkinson was chosen as its first chairman. Since that time he has occupied the mayoral chair on more than one occasion, and it seemed always quite understood that, no matter what business had to pass through the hands of the late gentleman, it would be dealt with to the very best of his ability, in a just and conscientious manner. Mr. Wilkinson has, throughout his long career, held the love and esteem of all who knew him, and he has been very justly termed the 'Father of Brunswick.'

He was ill for a few weeks only, and passed away on Wednesday, surrounded by his loving family. So much was the deceased respected that when the matter of his death was mentioned at the Brunswick Council, it was decided by that body to adjourn for a week, out of respect to deceased's memory, and it is understood that the council and its officers intend to pay the last tribute of esteem to the memory of their late friend by following his remains to their last resting place.

As soon as it became known that Mr. Wilkinson had left this busy scene, the shops in Brunswick were partially closed, and will remain so till after the funeral.