James Southcombe Brook

James Southcombe Brook, who passed away on the 14th September, 1926, had been a faithful servant of Victoria University College for the past twenty years. He was born in the village of Petrockstowe, North Devon, on August 31st, 1852. He lived there and at Crediton, seven miles distant, where he carried on business for twenty-seven years as a builder, until he departed from the Old Country for New Zealand. The reason for leaving England was Mr. Brook's ill-health and the necessity of seeking a more salubrious climate. He and Mrs. Brook landed in Wellington in 1904, and two years later, when the first Victoria College building was opened on the famous "Old Clay Patch," Mr. Brook joined the staff as Caretaker, commencing duty on 30th march, 1906. His work at the first conformed to no written schedule: he was available whenever a task called for someone to perform it, and his natural courtesy made him the willing servant of all. But Mr. Brook recognised the interests of the Professors and students as a first charge upon his care, and in this Mrs. Brook was at all times his loyal and active partner. Very early in the history of their association with the College Mrs. Brook opened a tea-room for the benefit of students whom evening lectures and study detain here, and several generations of students have appreciated her faithful service, which is still continued. Two years ago Mr. Brook was the victim of a brutal attack by some unknown assailant, who was endeavouring to rob his home in the College grounds, and this, in the opinion of his medical adviser, was the immanent cause of his death happening unexpectedly three weeks ago. On 16th September, which will be remembered for an unusual fall of snow in the evening, he was laid to rest in a hillside grave at Karori, and the Professors and a little band of past and present students and friends witnessed the service over his burial-place. "The Spike" wishes his widow and sons to accept its sincere and respectful sympathy.

The outstanding virtues of Mr. Brook's character were undoubtedly a keen sense of duty and that kindliness which marks one who is by nature a gentleman. When he took up his position at V.U.C. all outside interests were allowed to lapse, and thenceforth the welfare of the College became his single concern. We believe that the students occupied a genuine place in his affections, and those little incidents that occasionally mar their conduct were to him in the nature of real disappointments. All that came to know him will mourn the passing of a friend. He was indeed a very gallant gentleman.

The Late James Southcombe Brook.