FORMER M.P.

COLLAPSE IN STREET.

EX-REFORM WHIP. DEATH OF MR. J. S. DICKSON. A well-known citizen of Auckland and one who took a keen interest in public affairs up till a few years ago, Mr. James Samuel Dickson died this morning. He collated when on a business visit to the service station a.t the corner of Pitt and Vincent Streets, and was dead when the ambulance arrived.

Until defeated in the election of 1928, Mr. Dickson had been for seventeen years member of Parliament for the old electorate of Parnell. From the time he was returned in 1911 his majority increased at each subsequent election till he was beaten by Mr. H. P. Jenkins, who stood as a United party candidate. Mr. Dickson was first returned for Parnell in the 1911 election, when he defeated a strong candidate in Sir John Findlay. For the nine years preceding 1928 Mr. Dickson was chief Government

Whip in the Reform Government headed by the late W. F. Massey, and later by Mr. J. G. Coates. For five years he was chairman of the Railways Committee and was a past chairman of the Labour Bills Committee. Mr/ Dickson also had wide experience on public bodies, including membership of the old Remuera Road Board for 15 years, for five of which he was chairman. He was a member of the Auckland City Council, Auckland Drainage Board and of the Auckland Hospital Board. He was also a member of the Manukau County Council for many years. For over 50 years Mr. Dickson had been connected with friendly societies.

• Mr. Dickson was born in Belfast in 1870, and came to New Zealand 52 years ago. He first joined the firm of Smith and Caughey, Limited, and later took over the managership of Geo. Fowlds, Limited, where he remained for many years till he opened a mercery business on his own account. He gave up his business to enter Parliament. After the 1928 election Mr. Dickson secured an interest in a service station at the corner of Pitt and Vincent Streets. He was well known in Eujby League football circles and was at one time president of the New Zealand Northern Union League. At the time of his death he was a life-member of the Auckland Rugby League. On the occasion of the British Empjre Parliamentary delegation's visit to Australia Mr" Dickson represented the New Zealand Parliament, with Mr. M. J. Savage.

Mr. Dickson leaves two sons and one daughter, Mr. L. R. Dickson, of the staff of IYA, Mr. J. S. Dickeon, of the Auckland Savings Bank staff, and Mrs. E. J. Higgens, of Pakuranga.