OBITUARY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19512, 10 June 1933, Page 2

OBITUARY

MR J. J. COLLINS. Mr John James Collins, well known as a popular sportsman and the designer of many of the large buildings erected in Christchurch in earlier days, died at his home in Bristol Street, Christchurch, on June 2, at the age of 78. Mr Collins was still one of the best known men in the city, in spite of the fact that he has lived in retirement for the last :3 years. To his skill as an architect there are many memorials about Christchurch, and in other parts of New Zealand.

Mr Coffins was born in Christchurch, his fathft, Mr J. Collins, arriving in the colony on the Bangalore, which reached Lyttelton not long after the First Four Ships. After being educated at Christ’s College, where he was one of the earliest pupils, Mr W. B, Armson, who had commenced business as an architect in the sixties. As Mr Armson’s pupil, Mr Collins made quick progress in his profession, and was admitted to partnership in the firm which is now carried on by his son, Mr J. G. Collins, and Mr E. E. West as Collins and West. Mr Collins collaborated with Mr Armson in many important contracts, and he has done a great deal of work for the North Canterbury Hospital Board and Canterbury College. He was an early member of the Canterbury Rowing Club, among his contemporaries being Messrs J. R. Evans and F. W. Dunnage. As honorary architect of the club he designed the boathouse by the Fitzgerald avenue bridge. He was an excellent rifle shot, and in his younger days took an active interest in the sport. In 1880, Mr Collins married Miss Walkden, of Christchurch, who died six years ago. Four years ago, he married Miss Carter, of Timaru, by whom he is survived. He is also survived by three children of his first marriage, Mr J. G. Collins, of Christchurch, Mrs E. E. Fear, and Mrs D. E. Miller, both of Christchurch.