OBITUARY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18624, 4 August 1922, Page 7

OBITUARY.

MR JAMES GRAY. Mr James Gray, a member of the oldestablished firm of Reid said Gray, passed away yesterday morning at tbo residence of his son, Mr George Gray, 775 George street, at (he age of 88. Mr Gray was born at Pollockshaw, parish of Eastwood, County of Renfrew, on October 24, 1854. He was a grandson of Mr George Gray, who started plough-making in U(Wington in 1805, and who claimed to have made the first iron plough turned out in Scotland. Mr Gray’s father followed in the same line of business, sending ploughs largely all over Scotland aind Ireland, and very largely to Canada every year, until tho Canadians put on a prohibitive duty. Mr Gray served- his time as an engineer and plough-njaker in his father’s foundry, and was then appointed manager to his brother (who had succeeded to his father’s business, and who at that time employed 300 hands), and Mr Gray hold that position until he left for New Zealand in 1863. Ho came out to Now Zealand to fulfil a contract to plough and harrow a thousand acres for Messrs John Hamilton and Co., St. Enoch’s Glasgow, with a John Gray 20-honse traction engine and four furrow plough. He arrived at the Bluff on July 3, 1863, in the ship T. B. Mill edge with his first wife and their son, Robert. 'Hie contract was fulfilled at Messrs,Hamilton and Oo ’a Hunter Bush property in Southland, still known os Hunter’s Bush, Morton 1 Mains, at that time managed by Mr Robert, Hunter. This engine and plant was designed and made by Mr Gray before starting for Now Zealand. Three different properties, belonging to some Glasgow merchants, were then amalgamated as tho New Zealand and Australian Hind Company, and shortly afterwards Mr Brydone came out to manage under live new dispensation. About this time Mr Cray’s brother, John, started tho Standard Ironworks at the corner of Hanover and Cumberland streets, and James Gray was appointed manager. A year or two afterwards (in 1868) Mr Gray joined his late partner, Mr Robert Reid, at Oamaru, where they founded the present business of Reid and Gray, and four or five years later removed to Dunedin, and were very successful in the manufacture of back-delivery leaping machines, making about 400 yearly, winch ■were sold "all over New Zealand, . Mr Reid died on board the Lady Jocelyn in 1882, and Mr Gray then carried on the business on behalf of himself and the Reid Trust When Mr Reid’s sons died, Miss Reid succeeded them, and Mr Gray conducted tho business for that lady and himself till 1910, when ho purchased Miss Reid’s interests and) divided the business amongst his children, retaining control with tho position of managing director. Tlie business has grown largely, and there are now seven branches of tho firm.

Mr Gray’s third -wife died just five weeks ago. Ho had, two daughters and three eons by his first wife. Mrs H. P. Norton, of Auckland, is dead The other daughter is the wife of Professor Park. The sons are Mr Robert Gray (Ohristdhiurch), Mr James D. Gray, and Mr George Gray. The kil tor wae appointed manager in 1910, There’sire 10 grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. Mr Gray never entered public life, but ho took a keen interest in all matters relating to the welfare of New Zealand. One of the few public positions he accepted was that of president of the St. Olair Bowling Club, and the flag at the pavilion was half-masted yesterday morning.

When (ho nows of Mr Gray’s death became known yesterday morning the employees of Reid and Gray assembled in the fitting shop, when a resolution of deep sympathy with tho, relatives was carried in silence, os all felt they had lost a respected employer and a true and sincere friend. Many of the employees have heed with'the firm for from 40 to 45 years. Work immediately ceased, and the flag was flown at half-mast out of respect to the deceased.