OBITUARY

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 1, 1 July 1935, Page 11

OBITUARY

MR. JAMES F. MCKELVIE

The death of Mr.. James Flockhart McKelvie, one of the best-known and most-popular figures in,the Manawatu district, occurred at his residence, "Pukemarama," Carnarvon, on Saturday evening. Mr. McKelvie was born at Lower ..Rangitikei, in 1870 and was the- elder son of John McKelvie, of Edinburgh,. Scotland.. He married Jessie Florence, daughter of David Scott, a well-known sheep farmer in the Rangttikei district. His wife predeceased him by three years. After completing his education at Wellington College, Mr. McKelvie went to his father's property, "Flockhouse" Station, Rangitikei, and on his father's death took over half of the estate, being that portion on the south' bank of the Rangitikei River, which he renamed "Pukemarama." The area, states, the "Manawatu Daily Times," was originally all flax and manuka scrub country, but under Mr. McKelvie's able management it was converted into one of the richest sheep and cattle stations of the West Coast. Mr. McKelvie took a keen and active interest in public affairs. He was president of the Bulls-Sanson-Ohakea-Carnarvon Patriotic Society, a member of the Manawatu County Council, honorary life member of the committee of the Manawatu A. and P. Association, and a life member of the Returned Soldiers' Association. He was a generous palron of all classes of sport, president of the ' Rangitikei Racing Club, and a life member of the Foxlon Racing Club. In his younger days lie was a very active sportsman, excelling in athletics. He was a splendid shot with a gun and it was a privilege to be a member of his party at the opening of the shooting season, as his well-protected lakes afTorded splendid sport. Mr. McKelvie in his time bred and raced many'good horses. His interests covered a wide field. For years past he was one of the principal prizewinners for fat sheep and lambs at the agricultural and pastoral shows on this coast. The displays of vegetables and fruit exhibited at horticultural shows were a great attraction to all and thousands were delighted with the wonderful displays staged annually at the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association Winter Show. i Mr. McKelvie was of a generous and charitable nature, giving freely to all deserving cases. Mr. McKelvie is survived by one son, Mr. Rex McKelvie, | of Carnarvon; and four daughters, Mrs.! Hamilton Russell, of Bulls; Mrs. J. C. Gibbons, of Carnavon; Mrs. Donald Rowe, of Hunterville; and Miss Ravvi .McKelvie,. of Carnarvon.