OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24833, 5 February 1942, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR JAMES HOPKINS ■ ; - : t : -", - ■''■■;'■ '-■"'■■■' *; '-''-■•; :v ;- , - ; '' : -, '■'- \ The death occurred recently at Lawrence of Mr James Hopkins, who for the,past 80 years was a well known. and highly respected resident of the Tuapeka district. Born in Bendigo in 1859, Mr Hopkins arrived at Evans Flat with his parents at the age of three years. This was the year after Gabriel Read's discovery of gold in Gabriel's Gully, and Mr Hopkins could recount many amusing and interesting phases of life among the gold diggers of early Tuapeka. The deceased was educated at. the original Lawrence School, opposite the present railway station, where he was taught by the well-known schoolmaster, the late Mr John Stenhouse.

After completing his education* Mr Hopkins engaged in agricultural pur-" suits* and his interest in the care of animals was an outstanding feature of his character. He was a keen sportsman and for many years acted as judge at the Tuapeka County Jockey Club and the Beaumont Jockey Club meetings. He was also for some years secretary of the Tuapeka Jockey Club and Tuapeka Agricultural Society. For over 50 years he was a member of the Masonic fraternity and was a Past Master of Lodge;'St. George, Lawrance. Of a retiring nature, he did not take any active part in civic affairs, but was always ready to lend a helping hand ..16 :any, one in need. Mrs Hopkins predeceased her husband'about three years ago. Mr Hopkins is survivea by four daugnters and two sons—Mrs F. M. Alexander (Gisborne). Mrs : T, Dwyer (Beaumont). Mrs T; McMillan (Pukekoma), and Miss L. Hopkins, jXawr rence), and Mr A. Hopkins (Willing? ton) and Mr Gordon Hopkms>(at present ,in Libya).- . &:■s?■''