OBITUARY. ?

Taranaki Daily News, 15 November 1924, Page 5

OBITUARY. ?

CAPTAIN' JAMES S. MeKELLAR. A VETERAN OF WAIBEKA. In the person of Captain James Scott McKcllar, who died at New Plymouth yesterday at the age of 85, another veteran of the Maori War lihr passed over to answer the last roll-call. Mr. McKcllar was a son of Dr. Dugald McKeliar. whose family came from Macedonia to New Plymouth by the barque St. Michael in 1852. Mr. MeKellar was farming at Omata when the Maori troubles commenced, and when the militia were called out he was appointed a lieutenant. In that capacity he took part in the Battle of Waireka and other engagements, rising to the rank of captain in the company of military settlers, who occupied the Oaknra district.

After the Maori troubles were settled Mr. McKeliar became associated with the Messrs. Webster in carrying on the milling business established by Mr. Hulke in Currie Street, and later the firm became agents for the New Zealand Shipping Company and the A.M.P. Society. Subsequently Mr. McKeliar and the late Mr. F. L. Webster removed to the offices at the other end of Currie Street, where they continued to carry on the New Zealand Shipping Company’s agency and a fire insurance business. Later Mr. McKeliar became secretary to the Taranaki Producers’ Freezing Works, until advancing years and failing health compelled his retirement some years ago. Mr. McKeliar was for many years a prominent and skilful member of the New Plymouth Bowling Club. He was a staunch churchman and for many years an office-holder of St. Mary’s Church, one of the positions he held being member of the Trust Board. He married a daughter of the late Rev. H. H. Brown, and about a year ago they celebrated their golden wedding. He is survived by his widow and two daughters, Miss McKeliar, of New Plymouth, and Mrs. H. Abraham, of Khandallah, Wellington. The funeral will leave his late residence in Devon Street this afternoon at one o’clock for the To Henni Cemetery.