OBITUARY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17768, 19 April 1918, Page 2

OBITUARY.

JOHN" AIKEN. The death of Mr John Aiken, at Sumner, has removed another of the country's pioneers. Mr Aiken arrived in Nelson from Scotland in 1856, where soon afterwards he joined the wellknown firm of Nathaniel Edwards and Co., as accountant, remaining in their employ till 1873. In that year, with Mr John Connal, he commenced business,in Christchureh under the style of Edwards, Bennett and Co.. tho firm consisting of Messrs Nathaniel Edwnrds, George Bennett, John Aiken and John Connal. Mr Aiken retired from tho firm in 1887, and paid a visit to the Old Country, where be resided until about five '-ears aco, when be returned to the Dominion. Since retiring he has resided in several parts, finally settling down in Sumner. Mr Aiken took very little active part in public affairs, hut few men followed the affairs of the young colony closer than ]ie did. He was an excellent example of that straightforward Scottish commercial character that has left its impress on many business concerns throughout the Empire. Mr Aiken married in 18G1 a daughter of Mr Joseph Garrard, of Harwich, Essex, who survives her husband.