DEATH OF MR SERVICE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2356, 20 April 1899, Page 24

DEATH OF MR SERVICE.

MELBOURNE, April 12.-

The death is announced of the Honi, James Service ; aged 76 years. i ' ' [The Hon. James Service was born at Kil* winning, Ayrshire, in 1823. Having formed relations with the Glasgow firm of Thomas Corbett and Co., he emigrated to Victoria -whea 30 years 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 general 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 the right of selection before survey. This was thrown out by the Upper Chamber, and Mr Service designed from the Cabinet. After a visit to England he tried unsuccessfully to enter Parliament ns a Freetrader, and it was not until 1874 that he was elected fog Muldou. He paid another visit to England. On his return he became Treasurer in the Kerferd Ministry, but when he sought to re-, duce the ad valorem duties from 20 to 15 peU cent., there -was only a majority of two iit favour of adding 2s to the duty on spirits, ancr, as the Governor declined to grant a dissolution, the Ministry retired. He rendered such: service against the M'CuUoch party by> hia financial criticism, that Mr (now Sir Graham) Berry offered him a portfolio in 1877, but h» declined it. He supported the .Berry ;G.ovem-> ment until .the "Black -"\Yednesday." ;dis< missals. 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, aid ' became Premier. He took an active part in the" formation of the Federal Council. He again visited England, and on his return declined to Tenew his connection with active politics,, but accepted a seat in the Council. Mr Service, who , was an ardent advocate of federation. is>understood t6 have twice refused the honour of knighthood.]