OBITUARY.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 March 1919, Page 6

OBITUARY.

JAMBS BAXTER CONNETT. k With the death of Mr .James Baxter Connett, which took place at his residence, Baring Terrace, Te Henui, at aa early hour on Saturday morning, another link will', the early history of Taranaki was severed. The late Mr Connett, who was horn in Exeter in 1843, was educated at King's College, Exeter. He married Miss Sue*]] in 18(14, and came out to Australia the following year and to New Zealand in ISfw, when he acquired land at Bell Block, pnd followed forming pursuits for thf greater nart of his life. He was one of the pioneers in the dairying industry, and ran a private factory for many years before the days of co-opera-tive dairying.

The late Mr Connett took a keen interest in public affairs. He was n member of the Provincial Council in 1871. and was one of the first members of the New ; Plymouth Harbor Board, to which he was elected in 1R75. Of the original Tioard, Messrs Thos. Kelly and TTenrv Weston arc the only surviving membersMr Connett left the hoard in IS7H, In ovder to make a trip to the Old Country, but was re-elected again in 1885, sitting at its table continuously for ten yews when another short break in his membership of the board occurred. He

vturned. however, to the beard in 1897 and continued n member until his retirement some two years ago, lacing Aairman from the year 1002 He was always a keen advocate of a deep-sea port for New Plymouth, and was greatIv pleased to welcome the Waiwera, as the first ocean liner to berth at the wharf, shortly before he left the bnavd. Mr Connett. in addition to the public services already mentioned, also served on tlie Waitara West Eoad Board, Tar?,nrtki County Council. Bell Block School Committee. Hospital and Charitable Aid 'Hoard. New Plymouth Borough Council, Taranaki Land "Foard, and the Harbor Board's Association. TTe also contested, though unsuccessfully, the Grey and Bel' B'ock scat in the General Assembly, against the late Mr P- A. Carrington. He had on several later occasions been pressed to stand for Pai-l'-ament. but alwavs declined on account of his other public duties. The late Mr Connett had a'so been closely associated with a number of the prominent industries of the province. It will, therefore, be seen that, m addition to his success in private life. Mr Connett Mso Fcrved his country with conspicuous nbilitv, that service terminating with his retirement from the Harbor Board two years ago. Notwithstanding the demands made upon 'him bv his cuWic positions, Mr Connett found time to support, movements for tlie moral uplift of the community, and was a life-Ion? advocate in the cause of prohibition, being one of its staunchest supporters in the days when those who espoused the cause were subjected to considerable ridicule._ Mr Connett maintained bis interest in the reform rirht uo to the last. The deceased has been in indifferent henlth for some time and hi' death was not. therefore, alloiretber unexpected. He leaves a widow and two =ons (Messrs .T. -S and L. Connett) and two daughters airs \V 0. Peid. of New Plymouth, and Mrs Newman Tikorangi). The interment takes place at Te Herui to-day.