OBITUARY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 8 October 1923, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR J. H. FINNEY Deep and universal regret was expressed when it became known that Mr •1. 11. Finney, a prominent and popular citizen, bad passed away on Saturday evening at bis residence, Bridge Street, at the. comparatively early age of 46 after an illness extending over a boutsix. weeks. For very many years deceased had been prominently and closely associated with the business and sporting activities of the city, and was widely known throughout the whole province. A man of genial disposition, In' made many friends and no enemies ; and his passing while in the prime of life, will ho a severe loss to the district. Wo, ourselves, fool a deep sense of personal loss, as lit has been our privilege to he closely associated with tho htto Mr Finney for many years in his professional capacity as a journalist; We join with tho whole district in extending to the bereaved widow our deepest sympathy in the great sorrow that has overtaken her. Tho late Air Finney was the only son of Airs and the lute A:lr Edward Finney. He was born in Nelson, and received his education at the Bridge-street School and later at Nelson College. He then joined the, staff of the Nelson Colonist, of which his father was one of the proprietors, and later himself became one of tho proprietors in company with Air Percy Bond. Some three years ago Mr Finney was appointed secretary to tlio Nelson Jockey Club and the Nelson Trotting Club, the wisdom of the appointment being .increasingly shown every year. He made an ideal secretary, courteous, tactful, and obliging at all times, and had the interests of tho clubs much at heart. Only a few days before the end Air Finney drafted a circular incorporating a thought which ho considered of interest to the clubs: thus, almost to tho last, evincing his keen interest in tho welfare of the sport. Both clubs will feel the loss of their guiding hand a severe blow, and his place will bo hard to fill. The late Air Finney took a keen interest in cricket; and for several years and up to the time of his death was president of the Nelson Cricket Association.. Ho did much Pt the game, and under liis presidency Nelson had tlio distinction of winning tho Hawke Cup. He was also secretary of the Nelson Atitomobile Association, for which he performed splendid service. As a keen horticulturist, lio was a member of the Nelson Horticultural Association, and at times was an exhibitor at the shows. The Nelson Bowling Club will also mourn the loss of a popular member; while the Nelson Amateur Operatic Society suffers a similar less. For a great many years the late Air Finney was prominently connected with tho Foresters’ Lodge, and had held tho position of treasurer to Court Robin Hood for a very long period. Ho was .also a member of the Southern Star Lodge, being a Past Grand Ma-stcr.

Deceased was appointed Returning Officer for the city some months ago, ably carrying out the duties attaching to the office. His appointment its a Justice of the Peace was announced during his illness. The late Air Finney during the war was in canrp. for some months in preparation for going to tho front; but he was discharged as medically unfit. Subsequently as a member of tho Nelson Repatriation Board he gave valuable service. Flags in tho city aro flying halfmast. high as a tributo to deceased’s memory.

The funeral will bo held to-morrow morning at 10 o’clock.

ATP, JAMES ALB ON HAYCOCK

It is with very deep regret that we have to announce the passing away of Mr James Albon Haycock, Mayor of Richmond, whoso death took place yesterday afternoon at Richmond. As the fact was made known, the sympathy'and kindly feelings of the people were deeply stirred, and universal regret was expressed at the loss of one who bad occupied such an important place in the civic, social and religious affairs of the borough At the evening services in the Church of England (of which Mr Haycock was r. staunch member), Baptist, Methodist and Church of Christ churches feeling reference was made to the deceased gentleman and resolutions of sympathy were passed to the bereaved family.

Tlie late Air Haycock, who was of a kind, genial disposition .was a son of Mrs Haycock, “Ashfield,”. Richmond, and the late Tlios. Haycock, and Was lorn at Hope in 1852. He was a pupil of the late Mr J. Packer, and his first employer was Major Patou, with whom he stayed until he wits nineteen years of age. He then went to Marlborough and was employed by Air John Chaytor as his head shepherd. While in Marlborough lie married Aliss Jessie Scott. • Returning to Nelson lie took up land at the mouth of the Graham and Pearso livers, and here he hewed out a home foi himself in the bush, and became a successful dairy and sheep farmer. During the thirty-four years he lived at I'okororc he took a keen interest in education and church matters, ‘being chairman of the school committee for twenty years, and a Vestryman of the Church of England for a number of ears. He was a member of several Iccal bodies and was known for In's sound judgment m civic matters. Ten rears ago Mr Haycock settled in Richmond, and it was not long before he showed bis readiness to aclp in every nlatter that was for the common veal'. For some years ho was a member of the Borough Council, and 'it Alaj r of this year lie was elected Mayor unopposed. Last year hs was elected President of tlie A', and P. Association, a position he iilledjjivith credit to himself atid the association. He was also a member of tho Lucerne Committee and the great interest and knowledge lie displayed in al| things pertaining to agricultural matters led to him being appointed a member of the New Zealand Boat’d if Agriculture: a keen bowler, he was president of the Richmond Club in tho vea*’ 1921-22. He was also a member of the Library Committee. *

The late Air Haycock was married twice, tlie first Mrs Haycock predeceasing him twenty-seven years ago. Ho leaves a widow (nee Aliss Annie Haycock' and three sons to mourn their loss— Percy, “Ashfield”, Richmond, and George and Leslie, Pckororo Much sympathy will be extended to the latr Air Haycock’s mother who is in her ninety-second year, and who has for some time been in frail health.