Garcia, James
Production date
11 May 1903-27 Apr 1909
Description
James [Jim] Garcia was born in Richmond, Melbourne on 13 January 1875. He began his schooling at Yarra Park State School until his family immigrated to Thames in 1886 where he attended Te Aroha Primary and later Thames High School. After finishing high school he began work in the offices of the Thames Star and Thames Advertiser newspapers, becoming an agent for these papers in Paeroa. Later in Thames Jim gained employment as an accountant and manager for Mr W. Forrest, timber merchant. Around 1902 Jim shifted to Inglewood to work for Henry Brown and Company saw millers. In 1907 Jim moved to Opunake and became manager of the Opunake branch of Brown’s Mill. During this time he also worked as a local correspondent for the Taranaki Daily News and became involved with the distribution of the paper. While in Opunake he met Mary Willcox from Rahotu and the couple were married at the home of Paul Willcox on 30 September 1908. In April 1909 Jim moved to New Plymouth where he worked for the Daily News as a reporter. He also wrote articles for the Truth and Free Lance as well as other periodicals. In 1940 he wrote the book ‘Centennial History of Whangamomona’ for the Whangamomona Centennial Celebrations Committee.
Jim held various positions in the Anglican Church and Masonic Lodges. He was a founder member of the Home and School Association, chairman of the North Taranaki School Committees’ Association and President of the New Zealand School Committees’ Association. He was also elected a member of the Taranaki Education Board, but died before taking his seat. He acted on the management committee of the Taranaki Rugby Union for approximately 30 years and was president of the Taranaki Boxing Association and Taranaki Federation. Jim died in July 1943 after collapsing in Devon Street and a large funeral was held in St Mary’s Anglican Church.
Collection consists of a letter book belonging to Jim for the period 11 May 1903 - 27 April 1909 with a full transcript available.
See full details
Object detail
Part 1
Letter book
Part 2
Digital file. Transcription of letter book, compiled by donor Judith Hunt.
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