OBITUARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18046, 22 March 1922, Page 8

OBITUARY.

DEATH OF OLD COLONIST* MR. J. G. RUTHERFORDThe death of Mr. James Gillies Batherford, which occurred at his' reri&abe, Orakei Road, Remuera, on Srnday, r> moves one of the oldest settle?:;.in the Auckland province. Mr. Rutberfoid vtm born in Auckland in 1849, end was educated at Wesley College and at Mr., McCrae's High School. After ieaving school he engaged in farming in the Waikato, and in 1865 removed to Bombay, where for many years be was one ol the most prominent settlers. He always took ft keen interest in agricultural associations, and for many years w"as a member of the Auckland and Franklin Societies. In 1900 he was elected president of tho Auckland A. and P. Association and last year was elected an honorary life member in recognition of his valuable services to thai body. He wan also several times president of the Franklin Society. Mr. Ruthc-r----ford was too young to wko p;irt in the: actual fightrng in the Maori war, but served for about ten years as a momber of both the Te Awamuts and Oiahuhn cavalry troops. Alwavs possessing a high sense of public duty, Mr. Rutherford was throughout his life associated with publio'•,.;• bodies. He was a member of the Mannjjatawhiri Road Board and served op the Bombay School Committee. He later became a member of the Auckland Education Board. Some 20 years ago he removed to Remuera and became prominent in the life of the city. In 1904 he was elected to the Auckland Hospital Board, and for 14 years occupied the position of chairman of the Costloy Home Committee of that body. He retired from the board in 1920. About seven years ago he became a member of the Auckland Land Board, and brought his •wide experience to bear in the interests of settlers, particularly soldier settlers. Mr. Rutherford took » keen interest in sport, and at one time owned a number of racehorses. He waf for many years a member of the Auckland Trotting Club, and in latter years was a steward of that club. He leaves a widow and three song. One of the latter, Mr, K. McK. Rutherford, served in France, gaininc the Military Medal at Messmes in 1917.

Reference to the death of Mr. Rutherford was made at the meeting of the Auckland Hospital Board last evening. The chairman, Mr. W. Wallace, paid * tribute to Mr. Ruthorford's services as a member of the board, mentioning the honesty and integrity of his character. A resolution was passed expressing sympathy with the widow and family- .-'