KEEN ZOO ADVOCATE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20468, 21 January 1930, Page 6

KEEN ZOO ADVOCATE.

BIRTHDAY OF MR. J., COURT*

APPROPRIATE CELEBRATION, j

As an appropriate method of marking his 34th birthday, which falls to-day, Mr., John Court, of Hamilton Road, Ponsonby, yesterday paid subscriptions to tha recently-formed Auckland Zoologies! Society for the enrolment of five of hi* children as members Mr. Court has always taken a keen interest in the zoo, and on the formation of the Zoological Society he was elected the first life member in recognition of his support to tha institution. It was Mr. Court's generosity that provided the zoo with the elephant Jamuna, which-. h«* imported from India as his donation to the zoo's first generation of wild beast exhibits. Born at Feckenham, in Worcestershire, in 1846, Mr. Court came to Auckland in 1889, and has ever-since served the city of his adoption in many and varied capacities. He gave his name to tha well-known draper}' establishment of John Court, Limited, from active, participation in the management of which he retired some years ago. For 13 years he was a member 6f th<* City Council, being deputy-mayor for four years. Always a friend of the children, Mr.. Court provided from his own pocket tha splendid equipment of swings and other recreation paraphernalia, at Victoria Park. His gift of the elephant to the zoo was another indication of : his kindly desire to provide pleasure for the children, and the many who have enjoyed the thrill of a ride on the broad back of Jamuna have Mr. Court's generous forethought to thank.

Since his retirement from business Mr.Court has lived quietly at Hamilton Road, taking little part in public affairs and devoting himself mainly to his garden. His birthday •will be celebrated by a family theatre-party this evening. .