OBITUARY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19069, 15 January 1924, Page 8

OBITUARY.

MR J. M. MENNIE. ftfKCM Odr own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, January 14. A well-known and highly ' respected Citizen of Auckland, Mr James Milne Mennie, died this morning at his residence in Graftor road. His health had been failing for the last few months, but still Mr Mennie was able to come to town on h nday to attend to private business In the evening he suffered from a stroke from which ne never recovered. Deceased is survived by a married daughter, who resides in SydMr Mennie was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and came to Now Zealand in tbo-?' That was in the palmy days of the goldfields, and Mr Mennie went to Thames, where he started a bread and biscuit business. This afterwards grew into confectionery making a? well, and. then Mr Alcnnie was jollied by another native of Aberdeen, Mr William Dey The partner relived from tlie firm some years later, and in 1884 Mr Mennie transferred the headquarters of the business to Auckland, a factory being erected in Albert street, which has since' been considerably added to as the business developed into a large concern, with branches in various places. It is not. many vears since Mr Mennie re“tired from the business, which is still carrieci on under tho old name of Mennie End Dev (Ltd.) ... , • m ~ Mr Mennie took a great interest in the progress of Auckland and did good service for a number of years as a member ot the City Council.. He was very useful on committees, where his sound common sense showed to more advantage than at meetings of the corporation, as he was not fond of speaking in public. Mr Mennie was president of St. Andrew s Society in this city for many years, and that led up to his ’ building Scots Hall in Symonds sheet Mr Mennie also presented to the city tho fine statue of Robert Burns which is now in the Auckland Domain, and two band stands for the city parks_ wero also included in his gifts. Mr Mennie was one of those who objected to the closing down of St, Andrew’s Church in Symonds street, and he guaranteed financial assistance tof wards keeping it open.