DEATH OF MR S. JAGGER.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 482, 21 June 1890, Page 4

DEATH OF MR S. JAGGER.

DEMISE THIS MORNING. HIS CAREER. Auckland June 17. Very general regret was expressed in town to-day when it became known that Mr Samuel dagger, the well-known brewer and hotel proprietor, had passed away during the night, after a short but acute illness, at his residence, Carlton Gore Road. Everything that medical skill could do bad been done for the suffering man, but all efforts were of no avail. What renders his death all the more regretted is the fact that he was not an old man, but had only just passed into middle age, being not more than fifty years of age. His system had been weakened by a serious illness some time back, and the cold which he caught at Waiwera last week developed into acute congestion of the lungs, while diabetes also assailed him sevei-ely. One of his lungs was ascertained to be quite gone, and he was also found to be suffering from an affection of the heart. In fact, it was a complication of troubles that carried him off. Immediately the news of Mr dagger’s death spread this morning a number of the hotels in town lowered thoir flags to halfmast, and other establishments exhibited the same tokens of regret and respect for the memory of tho deceased. Mr Jagger was a native of Yorkshire, England, having been born in the town of Halifax, in that county, in 1840. He received his education there, and at the age of 18 resolved to go out into the world and fight his own battles. He landed in Auckland as far back as 1858, from one of the numerous sailing vessels then convey-

ing crowds of passengers out from Home to this new, and then comparatively unknown land from the Old Country. Having remained in the colony since that year, Mr

Jagger may be justly looked upon as one of the “ old identities ” of the place, for it is 32 years now since he first came to Auckland.

Young Jagger did not remain in the infant capital long. With his brother Frank (who is still a well-known resident of Auckland) he started for the bush in the Kaipara district. He had formed the idea that a timber business, well established, would yield a handsome profit in a new colony, and accordingly he took to the bush for a time to gain the necessai’y experience for carrying out his intentions. After spending a considerable time amongst the magnificent kauri forests in the North, he returned to town, but before commencing business he went on a visit

down to the South Island, visiting Dunedin, Lyttelton, and other places, then of pigmy dimensions compai’ed with thoir

present size and importance. Ho stayed in the South for three years, l-eturning to Auckland about the year 1862. In company with Mr Frank Jagger, he then established a timber, coal, and firewood business, which soon attained large dimensions, and the trade was found by the Jagger Bros, to be attended with satisfactory results. About the year 1868 Mr S. Jagger married Harriet, a daughter of Air Hancock, tho late well-known brewer and a

very old settler, and the partnership xvith his brother was dissolved". Mr Frank remained in the timber ti’ade, with which his name has for a long time been associated. After the lapse of a short time Mr Samuel was offered by Mr Hancock a partnership in his brewery business. This he accepted. Things went along merrily for a time, and then followed one of those financial “ depressions ” which visit these colonies periodically. Business not improving and Mr Jagger having comparatively little capital, saw that it was not advantageous for him to carry on the business under existing arrangements. He, therefore, asked his partner to allow him to retire from the firm. To make their brewing business a success he thought they'would have to launch out on a more extensive scale, and as he had not the necessary funds at his command he desired to sever his connection with the concern, which he accordingly did.

He did not leave Mr Hancock’s altogether, for having obtained a knowledge of the brewing business ho remained as manager of the concern. Having the complete confidence of Mr Hancock, he eventually l'eceived an offer to take over the whole business on favourable terms. The offer

was considered with all the caution of a shrewd business man, and to the satisfaction of both parties the terms were finally agreed upon. Having now obtained the opportunity for which all hispreviousexperiencehadprepared the way, Mr Jagger at once threw his whole energy into the brewery business, and by dint of great tact and application, combined with a genial and obliging disposition, before long found himself at the head of a most luci’ative establishment. Since then Mr Jagger has remained quietly in the country, excepting for an occasional visit away from Auckland, engrossed iu his business, and the extension of his commercial undertakings. His brewery, the “ Captain Cook,” in Kyber Pass Road, is very well known.

Mr Jagger took little or no part in public life. Several years ago lie became part proprietor of the' Auckland “ Evening Bell ” and “Observer,” but withdrew from the venture on it proving a nonlucrative one.

Such, in brief, was the career of Mr Jagger. It furnishes an instructive example of perseverance, and shows what can be attempted in a new country by a man gifted with sound health and a decision of purpose, though not encumbered with much in the way of wealth, and how he can make his way in the world and place himself in a position in which, while benefiting others, he can benefit himself. During his last and fatal illness Mr Jagger was attended carefully by Dr. Haines. Notwithstanding all that could be done for him, he grew gradually worse and expired shortly after midnight last night. He leaves a wife to mourn her loss, with three daughters, besides a brother, Mr F. Jagger. The interment of the remains of the deceased will take place at the Purewa Cemetery to - morrow afternoon. The funeral leaves his late residence, Carlton Gore Road, at 2 p.m. During to-day a number of the sailing vessels and steamers lying in port flew their flags at half-mast, as a token of respect to the memory of deceased.