DEATH OF MR J. COLVIN, M.P.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12784, 30 October 1919, Page 6

DEATH OF MR J. COLVIN, M.P.

ACCIDENTALLY KILLED. r / A TRAMCAR FATALITY. [Per Peess Association.] WBCLING-TOM, October 29. Mr James Colvin, member for Duller, was knocked down by a tramcar shortly after ten o’clock to-nigbt and killed. Deceased attempted to cross Featherston Street ahead of an approaching

tramcar, but was struck and thrown clear of the line. Doctors were summoned, and pronounced life estincjt. From the appearance of the body death is believed to have resulted' from concussion. Sir Joseph Ward, Mr (i. Witty and Mr 11. M’Galium, M-P.’s, who were personal friends of Mr Qolvin, arranged for the removal of the body to a mortuary chapel. (The late Mr Colvin was bom m Donegal, Ireland, in 1844. He arrived in Australia in 1861, and in Otago in 1862. He was engaged in mining and storekeeping on the Otago and Westland fields. He entered local politics in 1885, when he became a member of the Duller County Council. Subsequently he was chairman of the Westport Harbour Board, and from 1898 to 1900 he was Mayor of Westport. In 1899 he entered Parliament as member for Duller, and he represented that constituency till the time of his death. lie was Minister of Mines in the Mackenzie Government.) THE HOUSE ADJOUENS. [From Our Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, October 29. Proceedings in the House of Representatives came to an abrupt end during the Land Bill discussion to-night, when the Prime Minister hurriedly entered the chamber and announced that the oldest member of the House, Mr James Colvin, had been killed by a, tramcar. There was only one course to adopt, he said, even if it meant prolonging the session, and that was to immediately adjourn. This was done, and members, who gathered to discuss the sad news, were greatly concerned over the tragedy of.one of their colleagues meeting his sudden end within a few minutes after leaving the House. Mr Colvin, who was the most popular member in Parliament, was universally known as “ Uncle,” because of his venerable appearance and uniform geniality. He entered Parliament twenty years ago, and was a prominent member-of the Mines Committee. He held the chairmanship of committees under the Ward Government, and was Minister Mines in the ‘Mackenzie Administration. He had announced ms intention of retiring from politics at the coming election.-