OBITUARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18020, 20 February 1922, Page 8

OBITUARY.

MR. THOMAS PEACOCK.

LIFE OF PUBLIC ACTIVITY. Tho death occurred on Saturday morning at his home at Ponsonby <jf Mr. Thomas Peacock, at the ago of 85 years. Mr. Peacock, who was born at Glasgow, and trained there as an optician and mathematical instrument maker, arrived in Auckland in 1862. He commenced Dimness here, at first in Shortland Street, but removed to Queen Street 26 ysaw'agbV" For many years Mi- Peacock occupied a prominent place in tho business life of the city and in the public affairs of both Auckland and Now Zealand. He bscama a member of the Auckland City Council in 1878 and assumed mayoral office in November of the same year" He was reelected in 1879 for a second term. The principal event during his mayoralty was the opening of the Public 'Library in September, 1880. His other miblic activities included membership of the Auckland. Grammar School Board and the Education Board. He was a director of the Auckland Institute, vice-president of the Auckland Regatta Committee and of she West End Rowing Club. Mr. Peacock was also for many years a prominent member of the Ponsonby Bowling Club, of which he was at one time president.. The late Mr. Peacock occupied many responsible positions in the business world. He served on the directortate of the South British Insurance Company, and acted as chairman of directors ; he was also on the directorate of the Auckland Gas Company and tho Northern Holler Milling Co., f.nd a trustee of tho Auckland Saving Bank. He held directing positions with all these firms at the time of his death. Until his health began to fail, he eeirved as a member' of the council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. A part was also plaved in the political life of the Dominion by Mr Peacock. He was returned to tho House of Representatives for Auckland City North at the general election of 1881. In the following Parliament he represented Newton, and at .the general election of 1837 was returned for the new constituency of Ponsonby. After the close of the tenth Parliament in 1890 he did not seek » election. On the fonnation of the StoutVopil Ministry in 1887 Mr Peacock was Dfferod a portfolio, but for reasons of a political character declined to accept office- , . _• „ An active member of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Peacock was senior elder 01 St Stephen's Church, Ponsonby, to whii* le presented an organ. He was also on he Board of Governors of St. Cothbert s Allege, the Presbyterian girls school » Auckland. T n Mrs. Peaeock, a sister of the Hon. J. £• Campbell, predeceased her husband »y leveral years. A familv of six, three sons uid three daughters, is left. The sons ire Messrs David and John Peacock, 01 Wellington, and Mr J. A. *$*&£ Auckland; the daughters, Mrs. T. WW aw, of Wellington, and Miss Peacock ana diss M. Peacock, of Auckland. The funera.l will take place this aiwioon, leaving his late residence for we Symonds Street Cemetery at 3 pmMR. J. CAMPBELL GILLIES. The death occurred at Remueraon Saturday of Mr. James Campbell Gillies. tho was very well known in Auckland lusical circles. He was one of }"* junders of the South Canterbury Musical ocietv and was president of that and the luned'in society. Since taking "P his ssidence in Auckland about 18 months go, he held the office of president ol le Auckland Societv of Musicians. Mr. illies had been in'bad health for some me. A sen-ice will be held at St. idan's Church, Remuera, this afternoon.