OUR ILLUSTRATIONS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIV, Issue 18, 6 May 1905, Page 24

OUR ILLUSTRATIONS.

DEATH OF MR. A. H. NATHAN.

Another of Auckland’s most prominent business men passed away on Sunday in the person of Mr. Arthur H. Nathan, who died at his residence, Princes street, at half-past three o’clock in the morning. For some time Mr. Nathan had been in poor health, and that his illness had readied an acute stage was well known in the community. Notwithstanding this the news of his death eame as a great shock, Mr. Nathan having been held in the highest respect and esteem by all with whom lie eame in contact. For over twenty years he had occupied a leading plaee in business circles in Auckland, and his loss is a serious one to the community.

The first indication that his malady was of a severe character was obtained in January, when after his return from Rotorua, where he had been on a trip for the benefit of his health, his medical advisers discovered that Bright’s disease had manifested itself. The complaint had. in the opinion of his advisers, been gradually attacking him'for some time, without the more serious phases developing. He had been in ill-health for some time, but the malady had progressed so slowly that Mr. Nathan had not anticipated any serious results. Ou his return from Rotorua the disease had reached an acute stage, and he was eonfined to the house. All that medical skill eould suggest was done, but Mr. Nathan gradually grew worse, until the end came on Sunday morning, the family being present at the last. A man of great business ability and of the highest principles, his loss will be deeply felt. Mr. Nathan, who was 58 years of age, lived just three weeks after his cousin, Mr. L. D. Nathan, who died in London at the same age as Mr. Arthur Nathan. Deceased was born at Launceston, Tasmania, on May 2, 1847, and was the third son of the late Mr. Arthur I. Nathan, who, after being in business in that city for some years, removed to London, where he was a merchant in Tavistock Square. Deceased 'Went to London with his parents as a child, and was educated at Edmonton, and later at the University College School, Gowerstreet, London. In 1868 he eame to New Zealand with his brother, Mr. Walter Nathan, who is connected with the firm of W. M. Bannatyne and Co., Wellington. where they landed from the ship Hydaspes. Mr. Arthur Nathan went to Dunedin, but a few months later, in 1869, came to Auckland, where he entered into the business of Messrs. L. D. Nathan and Co. In 1880 he commenced business on his own account, in Custom-street, and two years later his brother. Mr. Sydney J. Nathan, joined him. The dell eased occupied a number of public positions. For several years he represented the importers on the Auckland Harlxnir Board, and was twice ehairman of that body. He was a member of the council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce for many years, and on several occasions wfls elected president of tliat laxly. He was vice-president of the Auckland and -South Seas Exhibition, held here in 1898-99. and took a very active part in its promotion. At the time of his death he was chairman of directors of the New Zealand Insurance Co., and had been on the directorate for some time. He was also a director of the Northern S.S. Co., and of the Nguuguru Coal Co. He took an active interest in political and municipal masters. but did not ever seek election for either honour. He took a very promt-

neat part in the affairs of the Synagogue. and was for some years president of the congregation. For a considerable period he was honorary minister and reader. He was a man of many charities, and was a liberal donor not only to those of his own people, but to other denominations, while his private charities were large. He was one of the earliest members of the Auckland Rowing Club, and took a great interest in all out door sports. In 1878 he married Miss Melinda Davis, daughter of the late Mr. Chas. Davis, who was a. merchant in this city for many years. He is survived by his widow and five children, Messrs. Charles J. Nathan and Louis M. Nathan, both of whom were admitted to the business some little time ago, and Mrs. A. H. Phillips, of Sydney, and Misses Gwendoline and Stella Nathan. Five brothers and two sisters of deceased are living—Messrs. Sydney J. Nathan (of Auckland), L. A. and H. Nathan (of London). Walter I. Nathan (Wellington)., and D. Nathan (Hobart), and Mesdames Emmanuel, wife of Aiderman A. L. Emmanuel, of Portsmouth, England, and Myers, wife of M. A. Myers, Belgian Consul at Birmingham, England.