OBITUARY

MR J. A. REDPATH, SEN.

Dir J. A, Redpath, sen,, who died on Thursday in his ninety-seventh year, arrived at Lyttelton in the ship Le Farisien on March 13, 1364. He was then 18 years of age, and he lived in Lyttelton until he went to the West Coast, goldfields, where he engaged in stcrekeeping at the Darkie’s Terraco diggings. The rail terminus and township of Eapnhoe now occupies the locality, which at that time was heavy bu'hland, and the only access to Greymouth and Hokitika was along the beach. It was while making one of his trips to Creymnuth carrying gold for shipment to Wellington that Mr Redpath was unsuccessfully attacked by the Burgess-Sullivnn gang.

Mr Redpath later was engaged in building work in Christchurch, at. a time when most of the place was flax swamp, and later he took up sherpfarming in the Upper Rangitata district. His next venture was storekeeping in Christchurch, and from this busme-’s he branched out into the coal importing business and founded the firm of J, A. Redpath and Sons, Ltd, in which he took an active interest until about 30 years ago.

Mr Redpath married Miss Rose Ann Glasgow, of Christchurch, Mrs Redpath died 22 years ago, at the age of 73. There were seven children, two of whom—David Redpath and Mrs J, Russell —predeceas'd him. He is survived bv two sen:;, Francis and John Alexander, and Miree daughters, Rosetta and May am. Mrs N. Procter.