OBITUARY

Southland Times, Issue 17789, 19 July 1916, Page 5

OBITUARY

DAVID STRANG. One of the city’s most esteemed citizens passed away on Monday in the person of Mr David Strang, at the age of 69 years. The deceased had been gradually failing for some years, but was able to continue his business routine until Tuesday last, when ‘bronchial trouble developed and ultimately caused death. The deceased never took an active part in public life, but his name has become a household word throughout New Zealand in connection with coffee, peppers and spices. Mr Strang’s application to business combined with the use of his own ideas and patents, has resulted in the gradual development of one of the town’s chief manufacturing industries. Mr Strang was greatly esteemed by a wide circle of friends, his integrity and trustworthiness gaining him respect and admiration. Born in Glasgow in 184 i, where lie |ad served some time in a coffee warehouse, Mr Strang came to New Zealand in the s.s. Barwood, arriving at Bluff in 1863. Employment at his trade could not bo obtained in those early days, but after following various occupations, he entered into partnership with the late Mr A. Hay, who was then in business in Tay street as a general merchant. In 1872 they dissolved, and Mr Strang established a coffee factory Ju Ksk street, on the site now occupied by Messrs Anchor and Co., plumbers and electricians. With the development of the business came the necessity for larger premises, and the deceased transferred his factory to the present site on which at the time stood a two-storey wooden building, formerly used as a boarding-house. The old structure was used as a warehouse and at the rear he erected a brick building for manufacturing purposes. Originally the deceased’s business connection was confined to Invercargill and district, but as the quality of the goods became known, it extended throughout New Zealand and Fiji. Additions to the buildings were found necessary from time to time, and about three years ago a commodious brick structure was erected. At this stage a limited liability company was formed, when five of the late Mr Strang’s sons, who had been brought up to the business, joined him. The deceased had gained considerable distinction at exhibitions with the produce of his factory, having gained first awards in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, two gold medals both at Christchurch and Auckland, as well as a special prize in the latter centre for a sample of soluble coffee, his own patent. The late Mr Strang, who was of a retiring disposition, was an elder of the First Presbyterian Church and a member of the Invercargill Chamber of Commerce, but did not court puhlie life having been content to devote his whole energies to his business, which lie had made such a success. He leaves a widow and eleven of a family six daughters and five sons, while Mrs A. L. Campbell, of this town, is a sister of Ills.