OBITUARY.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20105, 8 December 1930, Page 11

OBITUARY.

THE HON. JOHN BARR, M.L.C. The Hon. John Barr, M.L.C., died, at Redcliffs yesterday after an illness extending over some months. Mr Barf was born at I'aislev, Scotland, in. 18(37. and was educated at a public? school at l'ollokshaws. Ho was employed in tha weaving industry for some years, and becamo keenly interested in industrial conditions and means for their betterment. Later he served liis apprenticeship as a stonemason. As a member of this trade he worked in various parts of Canada. For a long period he resided in Winnipeg, and on leaving that city ho took up employment as a telegraph linesman. working in Canada and tha U.S.A. In 1902 he decided to visit New Zealand, and settled in Canterbury m that year. lie became president of the Canterbury Trades and Labour Council. He was called to the Legislative Council in January, 1907, and has l>een reappointed for each sevenyear period since that date, being amember at tho time of his death. Mr Barr at all times took a keen interest in matters relative to trades union administration, and it was due, in part, to his efforts, that the building of tho Trades Hall in Gloucester street was carried out. During his term as a union secretary he ap--peared on many occasions in the Arbitration Court as the v. orkers' advocate. Mr Barr occupied a prominent position in public affairs, serving, during; many years on various public bodies and organisations. He was a member of the Sumner Borough Council for manv years, and was elected Mayor of the borough for the geriod, 1917 to 1923. being followed by the presentMayor. Mr W. H. Nicholson. 7n 1912 ho was elected a member of tho Christchurch Tramway Board for the Sumner, Woolston. and Heathcote subdistrict. Tu 191G ho was appointed deputy-chairman of the Board, and was chairman from 1918 to 1921. Ho always took a keen interest i' l Freemasonry, and was the first master of the Sumner Masonic "Lodge. It interesting to recollect that, with Mr H. le Page, he was responsible, to * great extent, for the erection of the Lodge's fine building, and during the construction work he assisted in the quarrying of the stone used, and himself did a c'onsiderable amount of tho stone work. Up .to the time of his illness Mr Barr was a very active member of the Legislative Council, and was respected and esteemed by all members. He was very thorough and keenly interested in all measures which affected thewelfare of the people. He was a widely read man, and possessed an excellent library. His early experiences as a stonemason stood him in good stead ill his recent service as a member of the committee responsible for the restoration of the Old Provincial Council Chambers in Christchnrch. Mr Barr leaves a widow, six sonsMessrs Alec Barr (Springston), David Barr, William Barr, James Barr (Redcliffs). Hugh Barr (New Brighton), and John Barr (New Plymouth), and four daughters—Misses Peggy and. Jean Barr (Redcliffs), Mrs de Thier (Christchurcli), and Mrs Wilson (Wellington). The funeral will take _ place tomorrow, leaving the residence at 2 p.m. for the Bromley Cemetery.