DEATH OF MR. J. H. ESCOTT, M.P.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1592, 29 July 1916, Page 3

DEATH OF MR. J. H. ESCOTT, M.P.

The death occurred at AVellingjnn yesterday of Mr .lames Henry Escolt, member of Parliament for Pahiatua.

Mr Escolt, who was 44 years of age, was born in drepuki, Southland. His father was a Crimean veteran, who took part in the storming of the Heights of Alma, and was present at the fall of Sebastopol. Mr Escott was educated at Orepuki, and came to the North Island when about IS years of age, settling at Woodville. For some time be was engaged in manual pursuits, but after about six years be took tip farming, and was very successful. He fought through the Boer Whir as a trooper in the 2nd New Zealand Contingent. On his return he identified himself most prominently with all public mailers. He Wits secretary of the local A. and I‘. Association, it. member of the AVoodville County Council, a prominent figure in the Farmers’ Union, and also in Masonic circles. Last year he was Master of his lodge. In 1911 he entered Parliament as Reform member for Pahiatua, and be was again returned by a large majority in 1914. In Parliament he w.ts regarded as a good worker and it useful member. Last session bo was Chairman of the A to L Petitions Committee. This year he intended to go to the w<u’, and had already enlisted when the illness came upon him which resulted in his death. Had ho been in posses-

siou'of good health ho would have entered camp with the last draft of probationary n.c.o’s. When taken ill he entered Bowen street Private Hospital, and was operated on for an internal complaint. His life, however - , could not he saved, and he grew steadily worse. He was a single man.