OBITUARY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIC, Issue 13435, 6 November 1907, Page 6

OBITUARY.

MOSS JONAS. Many residents of South Canterbuij, more particularly the old identities, will read with much regret of the death of Mr Moss Jonas. Mr had been in very bad health for a long/tune; in fact a few weeks ago lie was so ill, tnat his life was despaired of. The end camesuddenly but quietly shortly alter y o'clock last- evening. The life of the deceased was closely related to the commercial history and local government of the early days of Timaru, and it m ould really take a long while to set forth atlength ,all that Mr Jonas had taken a hand in. He came to Timaru about 40 vears ago, and saw the numerous changes from tussock land to well laid out streets and imposing buildings- He was among the first to adopt modern ideas to business premises, and Jonas' block in the middle of Stafford street- was well known in the nineties. He was an .earnest and enthusiastic worker on local bodies, such as the Timaru Borough Council, Timaru Harbour Board, Fire Brigade, and others. As Mayor of the borough the prominent part he took in the local rejoicings m the late Queen Victoria's Jubilee- year will be readily remembered by many, this being the most important of his pubuc engagements during his Mayoralty. As a member of the Harbour Board, Mr Jonas took a deep interest in the initiation of the breakwater, and an intelligent part at the Board -table in the discussion of early plans and contracts. He was also a (successful man of business, but as times were somewhat dull about 1898, Mr Jonas decided to make a move to \ ancouver. It was a change that was not entirely a happy one, and lie returned to Timaru to meet old friends and restart business about five years ago. He was, however, nrver in the best of health, and latterly lis had quite retired from the active arena in which lie had been so very popular. Mr Jonas was .a man of generous disposition, and was ever really to help on any movement for the good of the town. Privately he was a cheerful giver, but veiy few knew 'of these benefactions. He leaves a widow, and several sons and daughters to mourn their loss; and the most sincere sympathy will be extended- to them by a- very large circle of friends.