MR. MOSS DAVIS

Taranaki Daily News, 4 January 1933, Page 9

MR. MOSS DAVIS

DEATH IN LONDON. BENEFACTOR TO AUCKLAND. The death in London, in his 86th year, of Mr. Moss Davis, well-known for his generosity in purchasing, for some years past, valuable works of art and historical relics for the public collections of Auckland, was advised in a cablegram received on Tuesday. Since his residence in London, Mr. Davis gave unceasing evidence of his practical interest in Auckland,' where he spent many years of his life, and was prominent in commercial circles. His association with Auckland began in 1885, when he arrived in the city and joined the firm of Messrs. Hancock and Company. Prior to that time, he had been in New Zealand for 24 years, having landed as a boy at Lyttelton in 1861 to join his uncle, who was in business there as a general merchant. Later, he settled in Nelson, carrying on the business of a general merchant there until he came to Auckland in 1885. Later, he bought the firm of Messrs. Hancock and Company. In subsequent years he was assisted in the management by two sons, Messrs. Ernest and Eliot Davis, who, since their father’s departure for London, have been the principal directors of the affairs of the company. \ During their residence in Auckland, Mr. and Mrs. Davis were well-known for their philanthropic activities. From time to time Mr. Davis gave valuable works of art and manuscripts to the civic authorities. He made his home in London about 1907, and during the period of the Great War, he gave excellent service to New Zealand on a committee which saw to the needs of wounded and convalescent soldiers, In Britain after the war he continued to take a warm interest in all affairs bearing on New Zealand, and, in a general way, was at the service of visiting New Zealanders, especially Aucklanders. To commemorate his 80th birthday in 1927, Mr. Davis sent out a sum of £1250, which was distributed among various Auckland orphanages and philanthropic institutions. The occasion was signalised by a dinner party in London, at which Mr. Davis’ health was proposed by Mr. T. P. O’Connor, (“father” of the House of Commons.

In other ways Mr. Davis made a point of maintaining his very real association with Auckland. He was a life member of the Auckland Racing Club,''and he acted as a commissioner in London for the Auckland Exhibtion of 1913-14. In 1929, when a portrait of Captain James Cook, presented by him to the citizens of Auckland, was unveiled in the City Council chambers, the then Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, expressed a typical appreciation of Mr. Davis’ activities: “We all know that Mr. Davis took a prominent part in Auckland business activities some years ago, and since living in London he has given continued evidence by many handsome gifts of his continued affection for Auckland.” Mrs. Davis, who survives her husband, lives in London. There are three sons, Mr. Ernest Davis, Auckland, Mr. Eliot Davis, and Mr. Boyda Davis, both of whom are at present in London, and five dauhgters—Lady. Wood, wife of Sir Murdoch McKenzie. Wood, member of the House of Commons, London; Mrs. Ruby Lang, wife of Colonel Walter Lang, Cannes; Mrs. Sybil Moss, widow of Mr. Laurie Moss, Sydney; Mrs. Zeenie Moss, wife of Mr. Robert Moss, Sydney; and Miss Blanche Davis, London. Mr. Davis’ health had been indifferent for some time past, but he recently made a good recovery. His death followed a relapse. On March 29, 19.31, the diamond wedding celebration of Mr. and Mrs. Davis was held in Monte Carlo, a distinguished party being entertained at dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Davis received hundreds of congratulatory messages from friends in many countries. One telegram came from Buckingham Palace. Their Majesties’ telegram stated: “The King and Queen send you hearty congratulations on your diamond wedding and trust that you are spending a very happy anniversary.” Mrs. Davis was Miss Leah Jacobs, of Melbourne. The wedding took place in Melbourne in 1871. The silver wedding was celebrated in Oakland and the golden wedding in London.