DEATH OF MR SERVICE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11396, 13 April 1899, Page 5

DEATH OF MR SERVICE.

Press .Association—By Telegraph—Copyriglit. .MELBOURNE, April 12. (Received April 13 fe at 0.55 a.m.) The death is announced of the Hon. James Service; aged 76 years.

[The Hon. James Service was born at Kilwinning, Ayrshire, in 1823. Having formed relations with the Glasgow firm of Thomas Corbctt and Co., he emigrated to Victoria when 30 "ears of age, and, settling in Melbourne, started the well-known commercial house with which his name is allied. He entered the Victorian Parliament in 1857. He was defeated at a gciietal election two years later, but was promptly elected by a country constituency. He was Minister for Lands in the Nicholson Government, and introduced a Land Bill giving thp right of selection beforo survey. This was thrown out by the Upper Chamber, and Mr Service "resigned from the Cabinet. After a visit to England he tried unsuccessfully to enter Parliament asa Freetrader, and it was not until 1874 that he was elected for Muldon.. He paid another visit to England. On his return he became Treasurer in the Kerferd Ministry, but .when he sought to reduce the ad valorem duties from 20 to 15 per cent., there was only a majority of two in favour of adding 2s to the duty on spirits, and; as the Governor declined to grant a dissolution, the Ministry retired. He rendered such service against the M'Culloch party by his financial criticism, that Mr (now Sir Graham) Berry offered him a portfolio in 1877, but he •d-elined it. He supported the Berry Government until the " Black "Wednesday" dismissals. In 1880 he formed the first Ministry, but was defeated in his attempt to reform the Council. After a third visit to England he, in 1883, coalesced with Mr Berry, and became Premier. He took an active part in the formation of the Federal Council. He again visited England, and on-his return declined to renew his connection with active politics, but accepted a seat in the Council. Mr Service, who was an ardent advocate of federation, is understood to have twice refused the honour of knighthood.]