A PIONEER PASSES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 106, 6 May 1929, Page 6

A PIONEER PASSES

DEATH OF SIR JAMES WILSON. [ Per Press Associa'ion 1 MARTON, May 4. Tile death has occurred of Sir James Glenny Wilson,’ aged 80, long prominent in political and agricultural circles. He was chairman of the Palmerston North Hospital Board, the Board of Agriculture, and was formerly M.P. for Foxton, Palmerston North and Otaki. A LARGE FUNERAL. [ Special “Chronicle” Service ] The burial of Sir James Wilson, which took place at Clifton cemetery on Sunday afternoon, drew the largest crowd of people and cars seen in Bulls, testifying to the respect in which the pioneer was held by all classes. The casket, as requested by Sir Janies was borne on a fern-covered station fourwheeled waggon drawn by two draughts from "Ngaio,” and even this huge conveyance could not cope with the hundreds of floral tributes which were sent from all parts of the Dominion

Following the waggon were the chief mourners, Harnish and Robert Wilson, and several hundred persons on foot. Then, came a halfmile line of cars. Amongst those present were Hon. J. Cobbe Hon. E Newman, Al. J. Nash, M.P., Mr J. Linklater, M.P., and representatives of local hospital boards, sports bodies “etc., while Bulls and Marton Boy Scouts formed the Guard of Honour. The service at the burial ground was read by the Rev. A. E. Stewart.

Sir James Wilson was born in 1849, and was educated at Edinburg Institute, Bruce Castle, Tottenham, London . University and Edinburg University. He arrived in Victoria in 1870 and in 1874 married Miss Annie Adams of St. Enoch’s, Victoria. They came to New Zealand in the same year and entered upon sheepfarming. In 1882-1890 he was a member of the House, being whip in the Atkinson Government, was member for Palmerston North 1890-3; for Otaki 1893-6, when he retired. Sir James was president of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union from its reception in 1900 till 1920. He occupied several other positions connected with farming and local body affairs. He was knighted in 1915. Sir James wrote "Early Rangitikei,” giving an outline of the pioneering days. Sir James passes to his rest, leaving behind the memory of one who served his country well and did much to assist in its progress.