A Pioneer Passes

Northern Advocate, 13 May 1940, Page 4

A Pioneer Passes

THE death of Mr. J. A. Finlayson, who passed away on Saturday after a lengthy illness, makes another gap in the ranks of Northlanders who have given freely of their time and ability to advance the welfare of their homeland. Mr. Finlayson, who sprang from the fine stock‘which constituted the pioneer settlers who came from Nova Scotia, had always taken a keen interest in the development of Northland in general and Whangarei ip -particular. His chief work, however, was in association with the Jfarbour Board, of which he was chairman for many years. He ihad before him the vision of Whangarei as the possessor of a deep-sea harbour which would make it not only the distributing heart of a large area of Northland, but an industrial and manufacturing centre contributing largely to the wealth of Northland and the Dominion. He has gone on before the full realisation of his dream, but the work which he has done will inspire others to take up the task to which he set himself, and work for the consummation of his hopes. The passing of those who have borne the heat and burden Of the days when the foundations .of Northland had to be laid ;is a matter which cannot but cause real regret, and, in the death M Mr. JMayson, regret will be accompanied by sincere sympathy -with the bereaved family and other relatives.