MR. J. WEST.

Thames Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 18487, 31 October 1917, Page 2

MR. J. WEST.

Ttia many friends of Mr 3ohn West wall regret to leim of bis deaiii, which took place at his resddemice this morning, alter a same-, what lengthy illness. Mr^West was a very old resident, and ait one time took an active part in looaf matters. He was born in. Forfarsibirei, Scotland, in 1838, and in 1853' emigrated to Victoria in, the sh'P "'Thames, 3' a somewhat strikingl coincidence, seeingi that the greater part of his subsequent life was to be sipent in, a town of that name. After learning thei blacksmitihing trade in Victoria, and fcubsequentiy being engagied dn mining there, he came to New Zealand in 1862. He worked at his* trad© in Otagoy also on the West Coast, finally, coming to Thames in. 1867, first starting in business in Willoughby St., and then, afterwai-ds removing to the corner of Pollen and Cochrane Sts. Mr West was the proprietor of the [ oldeeij eiatiablishjeid bfecksmitMng buslines® at Thames, and did a large trade, not only in. repairing, but in the manufacture of agricultural implements. For ploughs he had taken | several first prizes at Auckland shows. Mr Weisifc was a,t one time superintendmt of the Volunteer Fire Bngade, a position ha occupied for some 15 years, and when he resigned in Pcjb. 180^ the Borough Council pi^esented him with a silver watch, and the brigade a valuable gold chain and pendant. He wa» on ' the Licensing) Cominitteie for some yeara, and was also a prominent Freemason, being a Past Master of Sir Walter Scojbt Lodges N.Z. He was also a Past Master of the Prince Albert Lodge No. 20 (Protestant Alliancei) and a Past Grand Master of the New Zealand Grand Lodge. The late Mr West leaves two daughters —Mis W. Bane and Mrs W. Rogers, and one son, who has been, manager of the business for many years. Mr West wais a, life honorary member of the Sir Walter Scott Lodge, and alsicx of the Fire Brigade.