OBITUARY

Grey River Argus, 20 June 1945, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR J. E. WILLIAMS. The death occurred at Greymouth last evening of Mr James Edward Williams. He was aged 77. Mr Williams had been ailing for the past nine weeks. He was born at Oamaru, and after serving an apprenticeship to the tailoring trade and gaining experience with Messrs Ballantvne and Co., of Christchurch, and other leading tailoring firms in Christchurch and Wellington, came to Greymouth 53 years ago, setting up in business with a partner, Mr Pugh, as a tailor In premises at the corner of Mawhera Quay and Albert Street. Later branches of the business, of which Mr Williams became sole principal, were established at Reefton and Kumara. More than 30 years ago Mr Williams took over the business of Tymons. Ltd., drapers in Tainui Street, of which he was the principal at the time of his death. He also for a number of years conducted a business in Wellington. Pie was the oldest Past Master of the Greymouth Masonic Lodge. At one time he was interested in various sporting organisations. Mr Williams, who was a man of most genial disposition, was a very well-known figure in the town. He had a great liking for walking. He was unmarried, and leaves one sister, Mrs M. Moss (Christchurch), and four brothers, Evan (Auckland), Richard and George (Wellington), and Harry (Christchurch). The funeral will take place to-mor-row afternoon at Karoro Cemetery.

MAYORESS OF CHRISTCHURCH P.A. CHRISTCHURCH, June 19 Miss Evelyn C. Couzins, Mayoress of Christchurch for the last four years died last evening. Although she had recently suffered from some minor illnesses, Miss Couzins continued to cany out her duties as Mayoress until a fortnight ago, wnen she" became seriously ill and entered hospital. Miss Couzins, who was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Couzins, was born in Christchurch, and was educated at St. Mary’s Convent. She had a pleasant singing voice, and during the 1914-18 war, she took part in many concerts for patriotic funds, and later she helped in money-making gatherings for worthy causes. As an active member of the Kaneke Club, she cultivated her natural gift for public speaking, and this training proved valuable to her during her term as Mayoress. After the election of her uncle, Mr. E. H. Andrews, as Mayor of Christchurch, in 1941, she undertook whole heartedly the duties of Mayoress, and carried them out with thoroughness, fairness, and sympathy. She was genuinely interested in all sections of the community, and in their activties.