DEATH OF MR JOHN ANDERSON

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21175, 28 May 1934, Page 12

DEATH OF MR JOHN ANDERSON

♦ NOTABLE FIGURE IN CITY LIFE LONG AND INTERESTING CAREER Mr John Anderson, a noted figure in business and social circles in the city, and a former city councillor, died early on Saturday morning, in his 85th year., He was the son of a Canterbury pioneer and for many years the head of one of the biggest commercial enterprises in Christcl.urch. His long business career and his active interest in several public institutions earned him not only unusual prominence as I a citizen, but also the greatest respect. His death removes a very close link, with the early history of the province, j Mr Anderson was born in Edin- j burgh on May 9, 1850, and was j brought to New Zealand by his | parents less than a year later, arriving in Canterbury on the Sir George Seymour, one of the First Four Ships. His father was John Anderson, founder of the well-known firm of Andersons, Ltd., which in its first form was a forge set up on the spot known as "The Bricks," near the present Barbadoes street bridge. The son. was educated at Scots College in Christchurch, and in 1866, when he was 16 years old, returned to Scotland with his younger brother to attend the j Merchiston Castle School at Edin- i burgh. Later he entered the Clutha Ironworks at Glasgow to receive training as a mechanical engineer, and at the same time attended the | engineering classes conducted by Pro-1 fessor W. J. Macquorn Rankinc at Glasgow University. ■ He returned to New Zealand and entered his father's business in 1873. and with his brother. Mr Andrew Anderson, who had been trained as a civil engineer, engaged largely in public constructional and engineering works, both for the Provincial Government and the National Government, until the latter decided to carry on public works as departmental undertakings and with, its own departmental staff. j Railway Construction Mr Anderson and his brother, during their association with public works, constructed the section of the North Island Main Trunk from Te Kuiti to the headwaters of the Mokau river, and later they constructed the Makatote viaduct on the Main Trunk in the Wellington province. They also built sections of the Rakaia-Ashbur-ton Forks line and the Midland line, and imported locomotives and carriages for a section of the Midland line. Tne firm later turned its attention to the importation and manufacture of dairying machinery. In the days when steam was used more extensively for power than at present many small boilers and steam engines were built, and later the firm began the manufacture of light oil engines, churns, and other equipment for dairying. When the importation of bulk oil into the Dominion began the firm constructed storage tanks in all parts of the country. A City Councillor Mr Anderson was also associated with many other business and social enterprises. His father was second Mayor of Christchurch, and he himself served for two terms on the Christchurch City Council, the second being from 1923 to 1925. He was an honorary life member of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College from 1894 to 1897, president of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association in 1890, and president of the Canterbury Club from 1930 until the time of his death. He was a foundation member of the club, joining it in 1874. From 1903 to 1920 he was a member of the directorate of the Christchurch Press Company, Ltd., and he was also a director of the New Zealand Shipping Company. At the time of his death he was the oldest living member of the Canterbury Jockey Club, and he was a well-known member of the Canterbury Pilgrims' and Early Settlers' Association, of which he was a life member. Mr Anderson was chairman of directors of Andersons, Ltd., for many years until his retirement last October from the chair. A Rugby International Mr Anderson was a noted footballer in his younger days and never lost his interest in the game, being at the time of his death patron of the Christchurch Football Club. During his stay in Scotland he captained the West of Scotland Football Club and played Rugby for Scotland against England in an international match in 187 i. On his return to New Zealand he captained the Christchurch Football Club, and he was also captain of the Canterbury provincial team, which in 1876 made the first tour of the North Island. Mr Anderson married, in 1878, Frances, daughter •of William Pratt, who is still livinp He leaves two sons, John Anderson, a director of the firm, and Captain R. A. Anderson, of the 2nd Cameronians, who is stationed at Bordon, Hampshire, and three daughters, Mrs J. A. A. Morris, of England, who is at present visiting Christchurch, Mrs Henry Kitson, and Miss Dorothy Anderson of Christchurch. The funeral will leave Mr Anderson's residence this afternoon. There will be a short service in the garden at his home at 2.30 o'clock. Tribute from Employees On Saturday morning, at Messrs Anderson's, Ltd., Lyttelton, tributes were paid to the head of the firm by the employees. The works manager, Mr H. J. Beck, called the staff together and informed them of the death of Mr John Anderson. After referring to Mr Anderson's many qualities as an employer, Mr P. J. Burns, shop foreman, moved a resolution of sympathy to Mrs Anderson and family. Mr E. Manihera, foreman engineer, in seconding the resolution, said that as a member of the staff and a representative of the Maori race, he counted it an extreme honour to be allowed to pay a tribute to a well-loved employer and friend. Mr Anderson had been a pioneer and, by reason of his early arrival in New Zealand, had come into close contact with the speaker's forefathers.

The resolution was carried in silence.