Obituary

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31768, 27 August 1968, Page 20

Obituary

MR JAMES STOUT Mr James Stout, well known in the printing trade throughout New Zealand, died in Christchurch on Saturday, aged 97. At 17, Mr Stout started his seven-year printer's apprenticeship, after three years as a basketmaker’s apprentice. He worked for the “Christchurch Star” for several years, and became head of its printing department. Mr Stout was manager of the printing department of Weeks, Ltd, until his retirement at the age of 80. Until his death, Mr Stout retained an interest in his trade: even in July this year he attended the annual apprentices’ night held by the Christchurch Club of Printing House Craftsmen, of which he was a foundation member 21 years ago. He was a former president of the Christchurch Master Printers’ Association and a councillor of the Master Printers’ Federation of New Zealand for more than 10 years. He was a former vicepresident of the federation. Mr Stout was the first official printing instructor in New Zealand, and taught typography at the Christchurch Technical College. From his daughter’s home In Ranfurly Street, St Albans, Mr Stout used to walk to town in half an hour “every day or two,” until just before he died. His other interests included lecturing for several years, in the city, on practical psychology. He was a former president of the Christchurch Practical Psychology Club. He was also a Presbyterian lay preacher for more than 20 years, and a former vice-president of the New Zealand Young Men’s Bible Class Federation. Mr Stout never drank or smoked.

He is survived by his daughter. His wife died several years ago.