MR JOHN GOLLAR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2699, 6 December 1905, Page 81

MR JOHN GOLLAR.

By the death of Mr John Gollar, Dunedin loses one of its oldest citizens, and this colony one of its sturdy pioneers. Born in London in the year 1822, Mr Gollar lived there until he reached man's estate, by which time he had learnt the trade of bread and biscuit baking. Becoming fired with a desire to travel, he set out for Tasmania, and on arrival there set up in business for himself in Hobart. He was married in 1857 to the lady who has shared his joys and sorrows during the past 48 years. About the latter part of 1859, allured by the news- of the gold discovery in Otago, he left his wife to manage " his busines in Hobart, he brought over a shipment of Clyesdale horses in the schooner Mary Ann; and. taking advantage of his opportunity*, he filled up the vessel with all kinds of domestic animals and poultry, carts, drays, harness, flour, provisions, building materials, etc. Upon arrival he found that a shipment of horses had just arrived' in Dunedin before him, and rather than sell the animals at a loss he loaded up his cart and drays with flour and provisions, and, in company with his brother-in-law (Mr Yates), he set out for the Tuapeka goldfields; and arrived in due time at Gabriel's Gully, where he disposed of his horses and stock very much to his advantage. He soon tired of a digger's life, returned to Dunedir.. and leased two sections in the OctagAi, where Dr Martin's premises are now situated. Here he erected a couple of two-storey shops and dwellings, and while these were in course of construction he returned to Hobart, disposed of his business, and brought his wife and young family over to Dunedin, and' opened a bakery in the Octagon premises. Fout years later he met with dire misfortune, losing everything he had by the disastrous fire which left the Octagon a charred and blackened ruin. Undaunted by this calamity,. Mr Gollar leased a piece of ground from the late Mr John Hyde Harris at the corner of Albany street and Leith street", which he subsequently purchased, and on which he has resided for the last 42 years.' Mr Gollar did not take any active part in politics, but as an Oddfellow his record is probably unequalled in this province. He joined the Royal Victoria Lodge of Independent Oddfellows in Hobart on July 29, 1857, and brought his clearance to Dunedin. About the year 1862 Mr Gollar and half-a-dozen others inaugurated Lodge Pioneer No. 1 1.0.0. F. in Dunedin, of which lodge he continued to be an active subscribing member up till the time of his death. He was well known in sporting circles 30 years ago, and may almost be said to have been the pioneer "of trotting in Dunedin. At any rate, with his advent these races at ance assumed an importance at the Forbury which they had previously unknown, aod Mr Gollar relinquished his turf connection as he joined, a man of unsullied honour and integrity. His favourite marc Polly was a star trotter in her day. He raced his horses only for the sport it afforded him. Ho held strong views on this question, and relinquished racing altogether rather than sacrifice his principles. A man of strong force of character, powerful physique, and active temperament, he a keen personal interest in his business. Three years ago he contracted Brights disease, which practically invalided him until a week ago, when pneumonia supervened, and he passed away in spiritual tranquility on Friday night. Mr Gollar was a staunch Catholic, and a staunch friend, a man of broad sympathies and wide charities ; a man who was loyal and true to his friends through storm and sunshine, a man of unflinching courage and unswerving- integrity. Those who knew him best will mourn most, and extend their loving sympathy to his sorrowing helpmeet and family.