SIR JAMES WATTIE DIES AT 72

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33556, 10 June 1974, Page 2

SIR JAMES WATTIE DIES AT 72

(New Zealand Press Association)

HASTINGS, June 9.

Sir James Wattie died at his home in Hastings yesterday after a heart attack. He was aged 72.

| Sir Jam js Wattie, the chairman and founder of Wattie Industries Ltd, formerly J. Wattie Canneries, was born [in Hawarden and educated in [Canterbury, Nelson, Marl- | borough, and Hawke’s Bay. He began work in 1916 as ia clerk, qualifying in 1924 as [an accountant, and held positions as a company secretary and company manager until he founded his own canning company in Hastings in 1934.

Sir James Wattie remained managing director until recently, when he stepped down in favour of his son, Mr J. Wattie

In recent years his company diversified, taking in all aspects of the food industry I from growing to international marketing. The company took over many of its big.’--r rivals, and has plants throughout the country. Sir James Wattie was made

a Con.panion of the Order of the British Empire in 1963, and was knighted in 1966.

A director of many companies including UEB Industries. he was a member of the Trade Promotion Council and active in Rotary Tor 30 years. ’

i A well-known racehorse owner, he was a steward of the Hawke’s Bay Jockey IClub. He was also made a fellow of the Royal Arms Society in 1970 and sponsored the Wattie “Book of the Year,” award for the best-produced New Zealand books.

He is survived by his wife, the former Miss Gladys Madeline Henderson, and two sons. The funeral service will be held at St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Hastings, on Tuesday morning. The service will be taken by a Presbyterian minister. Cremation will follow.

The Prime Minister (Mr I Kirk) said yesterday that Sir James Wattie’s enterprise and ;energy had founded large and wide ranging business and industrial interests.

“His activities brought employment and prosperity to many hundreds of people employed in his industries and on farms,” said Mr Kirk. “Sir James Wattie was one of New Zealand’s best-known businessmen, and his name was a household word. I regret his passing, and send my sympathy to his family.”