AGED EIGHTY-SIX

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 242, 26 July 1935, Page 6

AGED EIGHTY-SIX

MR J. W. BAKER HONOURED

EARLY ASHBURTON CGACH-

BUILDER.

On the occasion of his eighty-sixth birthday on Wednesday, friends of Mr J. W. Baker, Walnut Avenue, paid a surprise visit to his residence in the evening to wish him happiness in the future.

A very enjoyable evening was spent, and congratulatory speeches were made by a number of the guests. A birthday cake was presented to Mr Baker, and he was accorded musical honours. Mr Baker has been connected with the building trade in Ashburton for the last sixty years. He arrived in Christchurch from England in _lß7l, and came to Ashburton, in 1874 to establish with his brother a firm of builders known as Baker Brothers. Some three years later Mr Baker commenced coach-building, Mr Charles W. Baker continuing the firm of builders which ultimately became the present firm ofr Baker Brothers and Shaw, undertakers. Mr John Baker’s coachbuilding work was carried on until well after the advent of the motor-car, Mr Baker retiring about 10 ' years ago. Mr Baker was for 21 years a member of the Ashburton Rifles, rising to the rank of sergeant, and was also connected with the Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade for 20 years. Mr Baker lias been closely associated with the Methodist Church, and until his recent illness has been very regular in Iris attendance, singing in the choir. He is also treasurer of the Board of Trustees of the Baring Square Church. Mr Baker has been a member of the Ashburton Bowling Club, but has not play'ed for some seasons.