DEATH OF MR JAMES MACKAY. SKETCH OF HIS CAREER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2193, 24 September 1907, Page 2

DEATH OF MR JAMES MACKAY. SKETCH OF HIS CAREER.

(Special to Times). WELLINGTON, Sept. 23. Very general regret is felt here at the death of Mr. James Mackay, of the Labor Department. In the organisation and administration of the Labor Department he was, as everyone 'knows, the “man behind the gun,” and his place will not be easily filled. He wa6 born in 1857 at Dunse, Berwick, Scotland, and at an early age avent to sea, making several voyages between the Old Country and New Zealand. In 1875 he left the ship Timaru at Port Chalmers, and striking up country found his way to Invercargill, and was also employed at the Mataura paper mills. Later on ho came to the North Island, and was engaged in avaggon-driving oa'er the Rinmta’ka range before the railway avas made over the incline. In 1884 he entered tho sera'ice of the Wellington Harbor Board. When in 1890, the Labor Department was formed he was engaged to act with Mr. E. Trogear in organising the avork of that department. At one timo he was associated with the late Mr John Ballanco and others in promoting tho avolfaro of labor, and also took a prominent part in friendly society work. He was District Grand President in the District Grand Lodge of tlio United Ancient Order of Druids, and avas one of the principal movers in the movement avhich led to tho separation of the Grand Lodge from Victoria. He was also a member of Court Robin Hood, A.0.F., and of the Neav Zealand Pacific Lodge of Freemasons. He leaves a family of throe daughters and one son. His avife predeceased him somo months ago.