OBITUARY

Evening Star, Issue 25440, 22 March 1945, Page 4

OBITUARY

mr john Mcdonald One of the best-known figures about town for many years past,' particularly so up to a decade or so ago, Mr John McDonald, died last night in his eightieth year. Mr McDonald, who was born at Auckland and educated at Masterton and at the Mount Cook Public School in Wellington, came to Dunedin from Timaru about half a century ago. He was of genial disposition and a great " mixer," making Ifriends among all classes or the community, and delighting to spin tales of his early experiences. For many years he carried on business in Dunedin as a tailor, as a land agent, and finally as a company promoter. He always took a deep interest in matters affecting the welfare of the city, and in. the early part of the century represented Leith Ward, and, later, High Ward, on the Dunedin City Council. He was elected mayor of the city in 1908. He also represented the City Council on the Charitable Aid Board,

the High Schools Board of Governors, and the Hospital Board, and was a member of the Sinking Fund Commission for one year. He unsuccessfully contested the Dunedin Central seat in the (parliamentary election of 1908. Returning to local politics after an interval off some years, ho was again elected to the City Council for the 1919-21 term. He was a member of the Otago Harbour Board for six years, and was chairman of the Housing Committee set up by local bodies in 1924. In 1931 he again unsuccessfully contested the Dunedin West seat as an Independent Liberal. Mr McDonald was chairman of directors of the Regent Picture Theatre Co. Ltd. and of the Exchange Court Picture Theatre Co. Ltd. He was one of the early members of the Dunedin Highland Rifles, and was a staunch member of the association which perpetuated the memory off the Volunteer movement in Dunedin. He was also a foundation member of the Otago Cycling Club. Keenly interested in sport, he was for some years president of the Alhambra Football Club. In his earlier years he was an enthusiastic supporter of the life-saving movement, and for a period was president of the St. Clair Surf Life Saving Club. He was also for a time clerk of scales of the Dunedin Jockey Club and a steward of the Tahuna Park Trotting Club. For many years he was a member of the Caledonian Society, of which he was president for a period, and he was also.president of the Piping and Dancing Association. As a Mason, he was' a prominent member of Lodge 417, Otago Kilwinning. Mr McDonald's father, the late Mr Colin McDonald, was well known in ihe early days as a contractor, being closely connected with the Government of the day in that capacity. Mr John McDonald" is survived by his wife. The flas at the Town Hall was flown at half-mast in recognition of the loss.