THE LATE JAS. A. BONAR.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 8 November 1901, Page 2

THE LATE JAS. A. BONAR.

(l-ER PRESS ASSOCIATION).

Wellington, This Day. The remains of the lato Hon. J. A. Bonar, M.L.C , were sent by the Haupiri to-day to Hokitika where they are to bo buried. The procession from the Hospital to the ship's side included the Premier, members of the Ministry, and Members of both Houses of the Legisleture.

Of the career of the lato hon. J. A. Bonar, whoso death wo all lament, tho West Coast Times writes:—

The late hon. /as. A. Bonar arrived in Victoria in 1854 when quite a youth. Ho shortly afterwards entered the offico of Mossrs Jas. Henty and Co. tho well Inown shipowners and merchants of Melbourne, where he gained a thorough knowledge of shipping and mercantile business. He afterwards settled in Invercargill where he represented the old firm of steamship owners Messrs McMecken, Blaokwopd and Co. In, 1865 bo

arrived in Hokitika and established himself as a merchant and shipowner and in the days of the "rush" created a very large business. He also became the owner of the steamer Waipara and several sailing vessels amongst which were the "Isabella," "Martha Reid " etc. Subsequently ho was appointed agent for the Union Steamship Company and other lines.

Shortly after his arrival in Hokitika he took an active part in forming what was known as "The Improvement Committee" and was appointed Chairman of this body, which did splendid work in making track?, etc. through what is now the town of Hokitika. Shortly after this the town became incorporated as a Borough early in 1867. Mr Bonar was eleoted first Mayor, and during hi 3 term of offica the late Sir George Grey paid his first visit to Hokitika, and on this occasion the deceased gentleman was noted for the conspicuous ability which he displayed during the visit, aud shortly after Sir George Grey's return to Wellington Mr Bonar was called to the Legislative Council. At this time ho was only about 29 years of age, and was probably one of the youngest Councillors ever appointed. At the time of his death he was one of the sen-or members of the Upper House, having sat continuously for over 33 years. la the early days when Westland formed an integral part of Canterbury the late Mr Bonar represented the We3t Coast in the Provincial Council.

In 1874, when the "Separation Act" was passed and Westland became a separate province, he was elected after a very keen contest with the late Mr Evan Prosser, as the first Superintendnnt of the Province of Westland, and held the position till the abolition of the administration of affairs of the Provincial system of government. During this period he was noted for the splendid ability which he showed in the Province, and as a platform speaker' he had few equals and no superiors. Hi 3 fine presence and his powers of repartee made him a very formidable opponent to meet on any public question. The late Mr Bonar always took a very warm interest in the volunteer movement, and in the "fifties" joined the first volunteer corps formed in Victoria and was soon promoted, although very young, to the position of ColorSergeant. In 1868 when the First Westland Eifles were enrolled, he was appointed Captain, a position which he hold for nearly twenty years. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of Major and placed in charge of the Westland Volunteer District shortly afterwards. In 1895 he reoeived the Victorian decoration. The Westland district was merged with Nelson, and Mr Bonar was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel and placed on the retired list,

He was ever ready to assist the mining industry, and with Messrs John Tait, James Holmes, and the late Messrs Joseph Williams and Alex M'Crae and others did much to develop the Eeefton mines at their inception, spending a great deal of time and money in developing the various properties. He was largely interested in the Ross United and Humphrey Gully Companies, being Cbairman of Directors in each of these, and he was a firm believer in the mineral wealth of the West Coast,

Socially Mr Bocar was noted for his warm hospitality and kindly disposition, and during the time he occupied Government House he entertained the various governors, judges and all other distinguished visitors to Hokitika at his own expense, There are hundreds who now have most pleasurable recollections of the many gatherings that took place at the house and grounds referred to.