OBITUARY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 16 October 1941, Page 4

OBITUARY

MRS MOSS DAVIS FORMER NELSONIAN REACHED HER 97th YEAR A personality outstanding in the social life of Auckland in the early eighties and one of the pioneers of organised charities in New Zealand. Mrs Mass Davis, died at her home in London on Saturday (reports the "N.Z. ITerald”). Mrs Davis, who was in her 97th year, was the widow of the late Mr Moss Davis, whose benefactions to Auckland over many years enriched the cultural amenities of the city, and the mother of Sir Ernest and the Hon. Eliot R. Davis. M.L.C.. of Auckland. Born in Manchester 96 years ago. the late Mrs Moss Davi was married in Melbourne in 1871. in which year she came to New Zealand, settling in Nelson. and in 1885 took up her residence in Auckland. Possessing to a special degree the deeply affectionate nature of her family, which bound her closely her children and grandchildren. Mrs Moss Davis took a talented part in the social life of Auckland and had a foundation association with its philanthropic and charitable endeavours, as first interpreted in practical fashion by the Auckland Ladies’ Benevolent Soeity. In 1910. with her husband, she went to Engl an !. and from that date until the time of her death resided in London. Her home there was always open Jo New Zealanders visiting | Britain. She celebrated her diamond j wedding ten years ago. A remarkable tribute in the following words was paid to Mrs Moss Davis by i a former New Zealand statesman:— "With a keen sense of humour, a bi* | share of good looks, living her life with j simplicity and dignity, and filled with ! loving kindness, Mrs Moss Davis typi- ; lied English womanhood of the Vici torian period at its best." Mrs Moss Davis was predeceased by her husband in 1933 and is survived by a family of 3 sons and u daughters.