OBITUARY.

Kaikoura Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 59, 31 July 1944, Page 2

OBITUARY.

MR. JAMES DAVIDSON. There passed to his great rest ou Thursday morning one of Kaikoura’s most respected and prominent business men, iri the person of Mr James Davidson, at the age of 81 years. He was the son of the late Captain J. and Mrs Davidson, being born at Wellington on July 4, 1863, educated at Kaikoura and Wellington, subsequently joining the staff of Messrs W. and G. Turnbull and Co, Wellington, later returning to Kaikoura and taking the management of his father’s business with his brother John.

As a citizen he was held in the highest esteem by all sections of the community, his wide knowledge being appreciated by one and all. He possessed a wonderful memory, and could reco'unt experiences from boyhood. A lover of horses and animals, he took a keen interest in racing and trotting, being a member of the clubs from their inception. He was also a prominent member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Asso- , ciation almost from its inauguration to the time of his passing. Mr Davidson was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1899, and was one of the oldest surviving members of the Justices’ Assotion. He was later t'ppo’nted Coroner, a position which he retained until he reached the age limit for the position. Other local institutions in which he was associated v were the old Railway League, Roads and Bridges Committee, County Council,, and was chairman of the Kaikoura Co-operative Dairy Company for a long period. He was also an associate of the New Zealand Insurance Company and the Christchurch Press.

A man of sound judgment and good common sense, he was constantly interviewed by members of the district and advised on various subjects.

As a Justice of the Peace he lost his individual identity, always acting in an impartial manner in any case coming under his jurisdiction, his first aim being to carry out justice according to the law.

Kaikoura has certainly lost a good citizen, one who was not afraid to express his convictions, an_d his deliberations were always interesting and informative.

As one of the Management Committee of the Presbyterian ‘Church he was a tower of strength, his sound judgment serving him well. He was also a good friend to the children of Kaiko'ura, and took a keen interest in their activities, also in other sporting clubs.

The late Mr Davidson was about on Wednesday well and hearty, but passed away peacefully ou Thursday morning. The deceased gentleman is survived by his widow and son (Dr. J. K. Davidson, Christchurch), and two daughters—Misses F. M. and A. S. Davidson.

Brothers of the late Mr Davidson are Messrs A. M. Davidson (“Glentoe,” Ward), A. H. Davidson (Feilding), W. Davidson (South Africa). Mrs M. A. Bassett (Christchurch) is a sister. Sincere sympathy will go out to the relatives in their sad and sudden bereavement. The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon, the large cortege signifying the high respect in which the deceased was held by all section of the community.