DEATH OF MR T. FINLAYSON.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 89, 15 April 1913, Page 7

DEATH OF MR T. FINLAYSON.

Mr. Thomas Finlayson, au old and "highly-esteemed resident of Auckland, passed away at his residence, Tiro Tai, ltemuera, yesterday afternoon, at the age of (55 years. His health, which had been indifferent for some months, steadily became worse till about three weeks ago it was recognised that, but little hope remained of his recovery. The late Mr. Finlayson was a, native of Glasgow, and arrived in New Zealand at an early age Avitn his parents, who settled in Dunedin. At the age of 1/ lie joined the firm of Sargood, Son and Ewen, in which he rose to be partner and managing director. AYhen it was decided, over forty years ago, to extend the firm's operations, Mr. Finlayson was chosen for the pioneer Avork of establishing tlie "business in the North Island, and his travelling experiences in opening up relations with the country districts of the province Avere varied and often hazardous. Later he became in turn departmental and warehouse manager at Auckland, and-about twelve years ago was admitted to partnership. AVhen on the death of Sir Frederick Sargood, in" 11107, the business was formed into a limited liability company, Mr. Finlayson became managing director, which position he leld at the time of his death. The deCeased gentleman at no time took a prominent part in political affairs, but was keenly interested in the progress of Auckland, and his assistance ivas always assured for any movement for the commercial or social betterment of the community. A retiring man by disposition, his kindly nature and sterling personal qualities made him popular with all classes, and the name of Mr. Thos. Finlayson was ever associated with the encouragement of all praiseworthy efforts connected with the progress of the city and the life of the citizens. He took an active interest in educational. matters, and at the time of his death was chairman of the Remuera School Committee, while he was an enthusiastic patron of athletic sports, being an ex-president of the Remuera Bowling Club, and a patron of A*arious athletic clubs. He was also ex-president of St. Andrew's Society, in which he always took a prominent part, was a leading member of the Masonic fraternity, and among many positions of public confidence which he held was that of trustee of the Auckland Savinss Bank. When the American Fleet visited Auckland some five years ago, Mr. Finlayson was one of the executive formed to arrange for the entertainment of Admiral Speary and his officers and crews. Tonay the flags at the Northern and Auckland Oluhs, of both of wlu'ch the deceased was a member, were flying at aalf-mast. out of respect to his memory. General .sv-mpathy will be felt for his widow and four sons: Mr. T. Finlayson, of Wallett and Finlaysom, Ponsonby; Mr. F. Finlnvsnn. who is at present mana/ring the Gisborne b r n ncl h of the firm of Sargood, Son and Ewen: and Messrs. R. A. and C. Finlnvson. who are uoav employed in the Dunedin branch of tlie business.