Obituary

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32381, 21 August 1970, Page 19

Obituary

MR J. SIMPSON

A man who became wellknown throughout Canterbury through his activities at various stages in his life as threshing mill operator, flour miller, pig breeder and head of a transport company, died a few days ago. He was Mr James Simpson, of Southbridge, who was 87. A member of a family of 12, Mr Simpson first worked for his father who was one of the earliest steam threshing mill owners in the district. As a young man he took over his father’s flour milling business at Milltown, near Southbridge, which he carried on for 40 years. During this period he established a pig breeding stud and became known throughout New Zealand as a breeder and exhibitor of Tamworths. He first exhibited at shows in 1926 and was the first South Island representative on the New Zealand Pig Breeders' Association.

Mr Simpson built up his own transport business, which was mainly concerned with carting grain, stock and other produce for farmers. When, during the Second World War, the Government decided in favour of rationalising road transport, he amalgamated his business with several others to form the Ellesmere Transport Company, of which he was managing director until he retired seven years ago. Mr Simpson took an active interest in district affairs, was a football enthusiast and for most of his life a member of the Old Oak Lodge of Druids, acting for periods as secretary'and auditor. A life-long member of the Presbyterian Church, he took a prominent part in its activities. He is survived by his wife and three sons, Ernest, the Rev. Ronald and Walter.