Mr. James George Preston

Northern Advocate, 12 July 1939, Page 8

Mr. James George Preston

OBITUARY

The death occurred yesterday at the Whangarei District Hospital of Mr James George Preston, aged 71 years, of 7 Anzac Road, Whangarei. Deceased was born at Coromandel, and in his early manhood, worked in the “Welcome Find” gold mine. He married Miss Wilmot Jane Quick, of Nelson, and the young couple came north to Kerikeri, where Mr Preston was engaged on the gumflelds. Eventually they moved to Kiripaka, where deceased was employed in the Northern Coal Company’s mine, which has since become worked out.

About the year 1924, Mr and Mrs Preston and family came to Whangarei, where Mr Preston obtained work on the railways, and later with the Borough Council. For about two years, until last August, Mr Preston was a familiar figure as nightwatchman, but ill-health compelled him to relinquish that occupation. One son, Walter Preston, acnieved considerable prominence by winning the Australasian professional mile record, and he has competed regularly for a number of years at the principal Northland athletic meetings. Deceased is survived by his widow, and the following children: Mrs J. P. Hamblyn, Whangarei; Mrs W. Dobson, Auckland; Mrs J. Lindsay, Auckland; Mrs I. Sinclair, Sydney: Mrs R. Scott, Hikurangi; Mrs G. Smith, Whangarei; Mr Harry Preston, Wai'hou, To Aroha; Mr Allan Preston, Dannevirke; and Mr Walter Preston, Maungaturoto. There are three brothers and four sisters.