A GREAT POULTRYMAN LIES DOWN TO REST.

Otago Witness, Issue 3698, 27 January 1925, Page 47

A GREAT POULTRYMAN LIES DOWN TO REST.

By J. B. Merrett. After months of weary waiting and suffering pain from an incurable disease, Mr John Jarvis breathed his last at 5 p.m. on January S. For many weeks we had expected to make this announcement. Possessed of a spirit that delies death, three years ago he settled down to fight an enemy from which he knew he could never escape. What he suffered and endured those only can testify who patiently attended him. A 3 each day went by the cruel disease made encroachments oil his strength, until the fired body became incapable of carrying on the fight, and his spirit yielded itself to its Creator. Beginning work at the age of nine, he soon became accustomed to hardships and his own resources. By the time ho reached 20 he was the confidant and foreman of his employer. Ho had an aptitude for learning, and patiently worked at letters and figures when the household was asleep. His chief hobbies were flowers and poultry. Many Latin scholars would have given anything to have had his retentive memory for names. At the Palmerston North conference during the visit to the Domain he surprised and delighted everyone with his knowledge of flowers, and the ease with which he called to mind the botanical names. His greatest delight was the gathering of orchids from all parts of the world, and his gift to Palmerston North of his selection was the finest in Australasia and the delight of the citizens. He could no moro live without flowers than exist without air Next to flowers he lovod his poultry. He was the w'inner of thousands of prizes in all parts of New" Zealand. His chief specialty was Wyandottes, and he did much to improve this breed throughout the country. For the last 13 years he filled the position of president of the North Island Poultry. Pigeon, and Canary Association, and the immense amount of good he did to encourage fanciers, promote shows, and assist the poultry industry can only be estimated by those who followed him clorony. He was also president of the New Zealand Poultry Association, Manawatu Poultry Association, New Zealand Wyandotte Club, New Zealand Leghorn Club (North Island), New Zealand Orpington Club, vice-patron of the New Zealand Utility Poultry Club, and vice-president of the South' Island Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Association. He was the promoter and originator o? the shields for competition at the Papanui egg test. He was also secretary and treasurer of several clubs in addition to being the leading force in the poultry section of the Manawatu A. and P. shows. Ilis great work lay in organising and bringing together the fancy and utility forces of New Zealand for tho framing of a New Zealand utility poultry standard. lie was chairman of tho sessions, and his advice and knowledge were invaluable. Mr Jarvis came to New Zealand over 50 years ago. He was manager for an estate at Carnarvon. lie later took un land at Rongotea, and was noted for his ideal farm. His home gardens, orchard, and farm buildings far outclassed anything for miles around. He was a breeder of all kinds of purebred farm stock, while he was known all over the country for his prize-winning at shows. lie was an excellent joiner, and has left some choice pieces of furniture made from small sections of practically all known New Zealand woods. Mr Jarvis was an enthusiast. Actuated by unselfish motives, he took great pleasure in assisting others, and his labours and influence reached many parts. He was of a genial nature, but firm in his convictions. The belief that he was in the right would his will unbending and unyielding. He would never seek the approbation of friends by the sacrifice of his convictions. Tie had a great sense of honour, and was a man of highest integrity. His position will bo bard to fill, and tho New Zealand poultry industry has lost in him a faithful and devoted worker. ITo was born in London in 1845 and died at Rongotea at the age of 79