OBITUARY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18237, 27 October 1919, Page 4

OBITUARY.

Mil JAMES WEIR. By the death of Mr James Weir last Friday, after a short illness, Heathcotc Valley lost one of its oldest and most respected residents. The deceased gentleman, who was fifty-nine years of age, was born in Heathcoto Valley, where ho spent practically the whole of his life. The scene of his life’s labours has been the pumping station, of which he was engineer-in-chargo for many years. For about thirty years lie was superintendent of the Methodist SunS School in Heathcoto Valley, bess being a prominent member'* of the congregation. He was a member of the School Committee for more thou thirty years, and for the last twelve years was its Chairman. Tire many improvements cfwried out both in and 8s "und the local school have been in xnos't. cases due to Mr Weir’s initiative. During the war all of Mr Weir’s four eons went into the fighting lino, and ail served vith distinction. One was killed, and tho other three were wounded. _ The-eldest son, Ca.ptain Norman Wei} - , a ; graduate of Duntruon Royal Military College, is now serving on the New Zealand Staff Corps. Mr G. Weir, youngest brother of the late Mr Weir, also served in France, where‘he was wounded, and was awarded the Military Cross.. Air James Weir was one of the. leading members of tho Heathcotc Patriotic' Committee, a vice-president of the Tennis Club, the Heathcoto Club, the Literary and Debating Society, and was a willing worker wherever he. could do anything to forward the interests and welfaro of his native place, especially where the young were concerned. His kindly, unobtrusive personality made him a host of friends, as was witnessed by the largo and representative gathering which attended the funeral at the. Linwood Cemetery yesterday afternoon. Wreaths were sent by all the institutions with which he was connected, as well as by many personal fnriids.