OBITUARY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1095, 6 April 1911, Page 6

OBITUARY.

MR. JAMES GEAR. Mr. James Gear, founder of the Gear Mrat Freezing and Preserving Company, died at his residence, "Okariai," Porirua, at an early hour yesterday morning, after some years of indifferent health. The deceased was 71 years of age, and held the position of chairman of directors of the. company up to the time of his death. | The deceased was born in Somersetshire, England, in 15.17, and was brought up to the butchering business from boyhood. In 1857, when the gold fever prevailed, ho journeyed to Victoria, and after working at his trade for four years in Melbourne hn came to New Zealand as a participator in the Gabriel's Gully rush iu Olago. Eighteen months later h'e camo to Wellington, and established himself on Lambton Quay. About two years later lie purchased a business conducted by (he late Mr. Ling, and originally founded by Mr. Luxford. • lie afterwards entered into partnership with Mr. Ling, and when tho latter gentleman retired, lie carried on :\ large and growing business until 1882, when it was Halted into a company, which has been signally successful in it's undertakings. Over fifteen years ago he purchased the To lloro station, on the Manawatu line, which has boon managed for some years by his son. Mr. Gear has been practically an invalid for some time past, and his demise, was not altogether unexpected. lie underwent an operation about three weeks ago, and had almost recovered from its effects when ho was again attacked by his old complaint ami succumbed. Deceased is survived by Mrs, Gear and several children.