OLD COLONIST PASSES

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 8, 31 March 1927, Page 1

OLD COLONIST PASSES

DEATH OF MR. JOHN MILLS FORMER CUSTOMS OFFICER Mr. John Mills died at his home, Manukau Road, Parnell, last evening. He was 82 years of age, and his life was one of useful work and respected citizenship. Formerly Collector of Customs in Auckland, Mr. Mills was known widely. He was the elder brother of Sir James Mills, the founder of the Union Steam Ship Company, and was born i:n Wellington in 1845, where his father. Mr. William Mills, was in charge of the Customs Department in the days of Provincial Government. As an invalid child he was just saved from being crushed in the severe earthquake of 1855. After leaving Wellington the family shifted to Opawa, and from there to Dunedin, where the three children. John, James, and David, later Australian director and Sydney manager of the Union Steam Ship Company—began their working career. Mr. John Mills. ho had been one of the first pupils of an academy that subsequently became the Otago Boys’ High School, followed the profession of his father in the Customs Department. Promotion followed and Mr. Mills was transferred to Christchurch. Following on this he married Miss Annie Burt, daughter of the late Mr. Janies Burt, a very old pioneer of Auckland. The ceremony was performed in Auckland by the Rev. Dr. Kinder. Mr. Mills was then transferred to Dunedin, where he had charge of the Customs Department’s arrangements ai the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibi ion held there in 1889-90. A post at Westport followed later and then he came to Auckland where he retired from the position of collector nearly 20 years ago. Besides Mr. Mills’ widow and his brother. Sir James Mills, who is now in London, there is a sister, Mrs. W. Voyce Buller, of Remuera. There are also three children. Mr. Athol Mills, of Laurie Avenue, Parnell, Mrs. H. C. Williams, of Gisborne, and Mr. J. F. Mills, of Matakohe.