OBITUARY

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 August 1935, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR. JAMES CRAIG lE. [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) TIMARU. August 17. The death has occurred of Mr. James Craigie, formerly a member of the ’Moure of Representatives and the Legislative Council. \ Born at Perthshire, Scotland, in ISSI, he arrived in New Zealand in 1567, accompanied by his parents. Settling at Timaru, he commenced business here six years later, as an importer and general decorator, after serving an apprenticeship at Dunedin. ‘He entered public life as chairman of the Kingsdown School Committee, in which locality he later acquired property, where he resided till his death. He became a member of the Borough Council in August. 1901, and was Mayor for ten years from 1902. Ho also served as member and chairman of the Timaru Harbour Board, and was a member of the Hospital Board for eight years. Mr. Craigie was returned in the Liberal interests and retained Timaru eat till 1922. when he voluntarily retired, and the following year was called to the Legislative Council. He was a devoted student of literature, and was regarded as the first authority in the Dominion on the life and works of Robert Barns, and was the sole overseas vice-president of the Burns Federation. He gave Timaru a fine statue of Scotland’s national poet, in the Park. He was a liberal benefactor to Timaru. including Craigie Avenue, a magnificent belt of Hees. He enjoyed good health until I a few weeks ago, death being due to heart weakness. He leaves a widow, one son, and six daughters and a number of grandchildren.