LYTTELTON NEWS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21756, 13 April 1936, Page 17

LYTTELTON NEWS

OBITUARY

A very well-known yachtsman and a resident of Lyttelton for many years, Mr John Harry Collins, died on Friday at Christchurch, after a very short illness. He was in his seventy-fifth year.

Mr Collins was born in Melbourne in 1861, and arrived at Lyttelton in 1868, on the steamer Alhambra. Yachting was his favourite sport, but he was also actively interested in bowls and golf. His first yacht was the Little Wonder, of which he became partowner in 1886. This yacht was a fast sailer and had much success. Mr Collins was one of the syndicate which built the famous yacht Mascotte, in 1890. For four seasons the Mascotte headed the racing list, and then went to Wellington. Three well-known boats, the Kai Ora 1., the Kiwi, an 18footer, and the present Kia Ora were

all built by Mr Collins. When in Australia he took an active part in racing 14-footers and 22-footers. He was one of the founders of the Port Levy regatta, the silver jubilee of which is being celebrated this Easter, and the Kia Ora has been the flagship for many years. Mr Collins was appointed treasurer of this year's regatta, and his assistance has been very much missed by the officials. Another yachting fixture of which he was a staunch supporter was the Lyttelton regatta, which was abandoned as an annual fixture about 15 years ago. The Kia Ora was always a competitor at this regatta, and was placed first 14 times. In his younger days Mr Collins was keenly interested in light opera, and together with his brother, Mr C. E. Collins, he produced, among other operettas, "The Wreck of the Argosy," "Les Cloches de Corneville," and "The Pirates of Penzance." It is about 30 years since these plays were produced, but many old residents of Lyttelton can recall the success which they enjoyed. Also interested in bowls, Mr Collins on three occasions won the Lyttelton Bowling Club's singles championship. Although he did not take up golf until late in life, he" was also well known on the links, and was at the time of his death president of the Diamond Harbour Golf Club. In 1892 he was captain of the Lyttelton Swimming Club. In public life he took a keen interest and, with Mr George. Laurenson, was responsible for founding the Diamond Harbour settlement. He was a member of the local council for 14 years, and Master of the Canterbury Kilwinning Masonic Lodge in 1900. Mr Collins is survived by his wife, three sons, Messrs Frank and Donald Collins (Lyttelton), and Robert Collins (Marsden), and three daughters, Mrs E. W. Jeffries and Mrs E. Smith (Lyttelton), and Mrs R. Rhind (Blenheim). There was a very large and representative attendance at the funeral, which left the Masonic Hall for the residence, and later continued to the Church of England Cemetery, Lyttelton. There were present the Mayor of Lyttelton, borough councillors, members of the Diamond Harbour and Lyttelton Golf Clubs, and many residents of Lyttelton. The service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. E. Hanna, and the Masonic' service was conducted by Worshipful Brother R. Ings. The chief mourners were Mrs Collins, Messrs I Frank Collins, Donald Collins, Robert i Collins (sons), Mesdames E. W. Jeffries, E. F. Smith, R. S. Rhind (daughters), Messrs E. W. Jeffries, E. F. J ' Smith, and R. S. Rhind (sons-in-law). The pall-bearers were Messrs H. Ryder, T. Bowring, D. Page, W. Paine, A. McDonald, R. Fenton, J. Plimmer, and W. Watson. Wreaths were sent by the following:— Mum and the boys, Else and Bill, Win, Pat. and Reg; Mona, Alice, Frank, and Ted; Phil, Cyril, and Sylvia; Ernie,, Ethel, and family; Anne and Chas., Mrs J. Scott and family, Mr and Mrs M. J. Scott, J. and A. Burnish and family, Sam, Selma,, Toby and Isa; Mrs A. Taylor and family, Donahoe family, Gellity family, Sam, Hilda, and Queen; Mr P. V. Mason, Doris, Will, Mary, and Isabel; Diamond Harbour Golf Club; commodore and members of the Banks Peninsula Cruising Club, president and members of the Lyttelton Club, president and members of the Canterbury Yacht Club, officers and brethren of Canterbury Kilwinning Lodge, No. 23; members of the Lyttelton Bowling Club, yachtsman of Port Levy, crew of the Kia Ora. Golf Medal matches played on the Lyttelton Golf Club's course during the week-end were won by H. Derbidge (senior) and A. Jackson (junior). The matches set down to be played on the Diamond Harbour Club's course were postponed because of the death of the president, Mr J. H. Collins. Personal Mr M. E. McGifford (Gore) is staying with his parents, Mr and Mrs D. McGifford (West Lyttelton). THE LYTTELTON FERRY LAUNCHES, LTD. To Diamond Harbour —Daily. Purau —Wednesdays, 8.15 a.m. Charteris Bay—Sundays, 9.20 a.m. Launch available for fishing and tramping parties. W. C. CLEARY and CO.. Agents. 1 'Phone 37-293.