OBITUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 128, 2 June 1938, Page 10

OBITUARY.

MR. JOHN GRAHAM.

Sixty years of intimate association with the life of Auckland ended this morning with the death of Mr. John Graham, of Blockhouse Bay. Road, Avondale, at the age of 79 years. Born in Paris, the son of a Scottish doctor, who for his services to the French nation during the Franco-Prussian War was awarded the Legion of Honour, Mr. Graham, was early sent to London to gain commercial experience and while on the staff of a shipping company he came to New Zealand as supervisor of cargo on a sailing vessel. Taking a liking to New Zealand, he decide to remain in Auckland and for some years was associated with the late Mrs. Gibbs in conducting a general store at Whangaroa. He married Miss Katherine Jane Wild, of Auckland, and later came to reside in this city. For some years he was associated in business partnership with hie brother-in-law, the late Mr. Charles Blomfield, the well-known artist, and in later years was engaged in building and land agency activities.

Mr. Graham Hvas for many years "an officer of the Ponsonby Baptist Church, and later was a foundation member* of the church at Avondale. He was prominently associated with the temperance and Christian Endeavour movements. His early life in Paris had left the imprint of old-world charm and his greatest : delight was to converse in French and discuss events in the land of his birth.

Mrs. Graham predeceased her husband five years ago. The two members of their family are Mrs. G. B. Watts, of Valley Road, Glen Eden, and Mr. A. J. Graham, of Blockhouse Bay Road, Avondale. There are nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The funeral will be preceded by a service at the Avondale Baptist Church to-morrow afternoon.