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Arthur Hyam Nathan (1847–1905)

Another of Auckland's most prominent businessmen passed away on April 30 in the person of Mr Arthur H. Nathan, who died at his residence, Princes street, at half-past three o'clock in the morning. For some time Mr. Nathan had been in poor health, and that his illness had reached an acute stage was well known in the community. Notwithstanding this the news of his death came as a real shock, Mr. Nathan having been held in the highest respect and esteem by all with whom he came in contact. For over twenty years he had occupied a leading place in business circles in Auckland. A man of great business ability and of the greatest principles, his loss will be deeply felt. Mr Nathan, who was 58 years of age, lived just three weeks after his cousin, Mr L. D. Nathan, who died in London at the same age as Mr Arthur Nathan. Mr Arthur Nathan took an active interest in political and municipal matters. but did not ever seek election for either honour. He took a very prominent part in the affairs of the Synagogue, and was for some years president of the congregation. For a considerable period he was honorary minister and reader. He was a man of many charities, and was a liberal donor not only to those of his own people, but to other denominations, while his private charities were large. In 1878 he married Miss Melinda Davis, daughter of the late Mr. Chas. Davis, who was a merchant in this city for many years. He is survived by his widow and five children, Messrs. Charles J. Nathan and Louis M. Nathan, both of whom were admitted to the business some little time and Mrs. A. H. Phillips, of Sydney, and Misses Gwendoline and Stella Nathan. Five brothers and two sisters of deceased are living—Messrs. Sydney J. Nathan (of Auckland), L. A. and H. Nathan (of London), Walter I. Nathan (Wellington), and D. Nathan (Hobart), and Mesdames Emmanuel, wife of Alderman A. L. Emmanuel, of Portsmouth, England, and Myers, wife of M. A. Myers, Belgian Consul at Birmingham, England. The funeral was a large and imposing one, many of Auckland's prominent citizens, as well as a large body of the deceased gentleman's employees, together with those of other large firms, being represented in the procession. The Rev. S. A. Goldstein officiated at the burial service.

The chef mourners were the deceased gentleman's sons, Messrs. Charles and Lewis Nathan, his brothers, Messrs W. I. Nathan, of Wellington, and Sidney J. Nathan, of Auckland, Messrs. J. C. Davis, and Adolphus Davis, brothers-in-law, Mr David L. Nathan, nephew, Messrs. Alfred Nathan, Arnold B. Nathan, and Ernest D. Benjamin, cousins, and Mr Edward Lewis.

A very large number of letters and telegrams of condolence have been received addressed both to the family and Mr S. J. Nathan. The messages of sympathy include two from the Premier and others from London and Australia.

Very many beautiful wreaths have been sent from all parts of the city.

Original publication

Citation details

'Nathan, Arthur Hyam (1847–1905)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/nathan-arthur-hyam-20861/text31569, accessed 19 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

2 May, 1847
Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

Death

30 April, 1905 (aged 57)
Auckland, New Zealand

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Occupation