The late Mr, J. B. McEwan.

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 108, 9 May 1941, Page 9

The late Mr, J. B. McEwan.

receiving ,his education entered the Agricultural Department of Canada, undergoing special instruction in the Canadian Experimental Dairy Schools. ite 1894 he was selected by the Government of New Zealand as Dairy Commissioner. On taking up, his appointment in New Zealand he did excellent work in promoting dairy schools throughout the country and educating factory managers in practical and technical work in the production of butter and cheese. It says much for the soundness of the instruction given at these schools that many of the pupils who graduated there are now New Zealand's leading factory managers.

After two years' service with the Government Mr. MacEwan decided to enter into business on his own account, starting at Dunedin. In 1896 he came to Wellington and founded the wellknown firm of J. B. MacEwan and Co., of which he was governing director.

In 1906 the business was formed into a limited company. In this capacity Mr. MacEwan played a prominent part in establishing many butter and cheese factories throughout the country, arranging, for their erection and equipment and also financing them. In 1920 Mr. MacEwan and two partners ■established the well-known Friesian stud cattle farm at Orini, "Waikato. This, the largest of its kind in New Zealand, was subsequently taken over by the company. From 1900 onwards he also did much in the establishment, riot only of co-operative dairy companies, but also. of proprietary. concerns. ■ . ■ " \ ~ ;

In 1917 as another branch of the business Mr. MacEwan established dairying and agricultural engineering works at Freeman's Bay, Auckland—a business which became so expanded that it was transferred to new and larger works at Penrose, employing often as many as IGO men. Mr. MacEwan also figured largely in the dairy export trade, handling the output of many co-operative factories and proprietary, concerns, and likewise dealt largely with local distribution. He was an early member of the Dairy Produce Export Control Board, and served on many business committees affecting national and local interests. He was among the founders of the New Zealand Taxpayers' Federation, the New Zealand Welfare League, the National Cluby and the Rotary Club, and from 1921 to 1923 represented payers of dues other than on ships on the Wellington Harbour Board.

On the sports, side his main interest was in golf. He was^ one of the. original members' of the Miramar Golf Club, captain at one time of the Wellington Golf Club (Heretaunga), and a member of the New Zealand Golf Council.

Mr. MacEwan is survived by his wife (a daughter of the late Hon. Geo. Fisher) . and by one son,', Mr. Lan MacEwan, who is now resident at Nelson. The funeral, which will be held at 11.30. a.m. tomorrow, will be private.