OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2461, 14 May 1915, Page 7

OBITUARY

MR, JAMES TREVOR. Mr. James Trevor, the well-known builder and contractor, of Wellington, died at an early hour yesterday morning after a prolonged illness. Mr. Trevor has not enjoyed the best of health for sorno years past, and his nervous system was considerably shaken in a motor accident oil trio Hutt Road which occurred when the visiting members of tho Empiro Chambers of Commerce conference were being taken out to tho Hon. John Duthie's resklenco. Moro recently be has suffered from Bright's disease, and for over a week past his condition had teen regarded as hopeless.

Mr. Trevor, 'who was a native of Halperly. Yorkshire, came out to Wellington 35 years ago, and being a skilful builder and a hard worker soon pushed his way to the front. He was at one time a partner of Mr. Norbury in a brick and pipe works in "Upper Taranaki Street, but for twenty years past has been contracting not only in Wellington, but in other parts of New Zealand. Oiie of the latest buildings to. be undertaken by Mr. Trevor and his sons was the new iiospital at New Plymouth. There are monuments to his industry all over Wellington. i'or soma ten years past Mr. 'l'revor has taken a great interest in civic affairs. Ho was a member of the City Council from April, 1905. to April, 1&07, and from April, 1909, to April, 1913. Two years ago he was chairman of the Wellington Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and he was also a member of the last Harbour Board. Mr. and Mrs. Trevor were leading members of the old Methodist Free Church in Courtenay Plats, and' will be remembered by many old residents in that connection. Mr. Trevor was also an ardent bowler, and had belonged to the Victoria and Newtown Clubs.

Mr. Trevor leaves a widow, five sons and three daughters. The sons are Messrs. Edgar, Arthur, Alfred, Harold, and Ernest Trevor, and the daughters are Mrs. Alfred Laws, Mrs. Geo. Howe, and Miss Trevor.

Speaking about the death of Mr. Trevor, the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) said yesterday that the deceased was one of the first men. lie knew on coming to Wellington, and ono of the first jobs Mr. Trevor did in Wellington was the erection of the old foundry works for S. Luke and Sons. They had all been struck with Mr. Trevor's fine hearty Yorkshire ways, the blunt sincerity of his 6peech, and his gritty determination to succeed. When lie camo to tho City Council he brought with him a serviceable, practical knowledge of building and general contract work, and by his free, outspoken methods served to enlighten councillors -who were not so well versed in such matters. Though his mannor was often blunt, ho was known to ha\e a kindly heart, and instances could bo given of those who have been aided in times of need by his sympathetic disposition. He is a man who will be missed in the community. The flag over tho Town Hall was flown at half-mast yesterday as a mark of respect for tho deceased. The Mayor also forwarded a letter of ccrdolenco to Mrs. Trevor as from the council.

At the meeting of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board yesterday reference was raado to the death of !Mr. Trevor, an ex-chairman of the board. On the motion of the chairman (Mr. J. Baldwin), a vote of sympathy was passed to the relatives of Mr. Trevor, and it was decided to place on record his services while on the hoard.

Several members spoke 111 terms of appreciation of the deceased.