John Ainge grew up in a hotelier family and went to Otago University, studying to become a doctor. He married Alice May Farra at the beginning of 1914. It seems that John, instead of the medical profession, chose the family trade, applying for a wholesale liquor license in 1917. Despite being rated a "C class" candidate, he was called up for the draft in August of 1918 but seems not to have seen service.
John was a dog fancier and a member of the Caledonian Society.
PERSONAL
The employees of the Grand Hotel on Saturday evening presented Mrs Ainge, Mr J. A. Ainge and Mrs Cowie, who has been associated with Mrs Ainge in business for a number of years, with substantial marks of their esteem and regard. Mrs Ainge was presented with a handsome liqueur cabinet, Mr Ainge with a silver rose bowl, and Mrs Cowie with a travelling rug and a piece of silver plate. This last named, and the gifts handed to Mrs and Mr Ainge, have suitable inscriptions. The presentations were made by Mr W. H. Hudson who referred in highly eulogistic terms to the excellent qualities of the recipients and to the kindly treatment employees had received at their hands, these sentiments being echoed by other members of the staff. Mr Ainge suitably acknowledged the gifts, which mark the early retirement from the business of Mrs and Mr Ainge. After the presentations had been made, a social hour or two was spent, the time passing very pleasantly. Entertaining items were contributed by Messrs Warner, Sutherland, Morgan, Wilson, and Mahoney, the singing of the National Anthem and "Auld Lang Syne" bringing what was a very happy gathering to a close. -Otago Daily Times, 31/7/1917.
John is next mentioned in the newspapers as a race horse owner and a Director of the Dunedin and Kaikorai Tram Comapny. He donated cups and prizes to the local fanciers' associations and also sums of money to good causes - the wholesale business was evidently flourishing.
His mother, "Mrs J A Ainge, widow," took up the freehold of the European Hotel in George street in 1919.
RUGBY FOOTBALL.
The match for the Ainge Charity Shield between University (the premier team) and Alhambra (runners-up), which will be played at Carisbrook to-morrow, is expected to provide a high-class exhibition of Rugby football. The Alhambra team has been training hard, and is confident of extending the Light Blues. This will be the last club match of the season. As a curtain-raiser to this match, the Third Grade match, High School v. Green Island, will be played, subject to the ground being in good condition. This game should be closely contested.
Seventy-five per cent. of the proceeds will be devoted to charity and 25 per cent to assist necessitous cases in connection with injured players. The admission to the ground will be 1s, and to the stand 1s extra; children half-price. Ground tickets are obtainable at the Sports Depot and S. Jacobs. Official guides will be on sale at 3d each, and the proceeds from the programmes will also he handed to the same objects. -Otago Daily Times, 17/8/1923.
Ainge's Ambition
THE real pleasure in racing, so those in the game say, is in breeding a good horse and having sufficient courage to refuse tempting offers to part with it. If this; is so, John A. Ainge, better known as "Bert," has enjoyed that pleasure to the fullest degree. It is not so long since Bert took on the game and in this short period he has had to have the legs of the sideboard reinforced to withstand the growing weight of trophies which his gee-gees are bringing home. The Dunedin Cup and the N.Z. Oaks trophies are numbered among his most cherished possessions — and who knows but that before November is far gone a valuable Riccarton trophy might take its place with the rest?
Bert's name with Dunedin folk is a household word. When you meet him m his office, you immediately feel comfortable, knowing that you are in the presence of a genuine sportsman. And at Riccarton in November, if the right number goes up, the win will be acclaimed throughout the South Island as the most popular on record. He is surely a good scout, this John Albert Ainge. -NZ Truth, 6/9/1928.
MAN FOUND DEAD ON ROCKS.
DUNEDIN, This Day. John Albert Ainge, aged 43, a wellknown wine and spirit merchant, who had been missing from his home at St. Clair since 10 a.m. yesterday morning, was found dead this morning on the rocks at St. Clair, with his throat cut. He had been in ill-health for some time, suffering a nervous breakdown. He leaves a widow and five children. -Ashburton Guardian, 17/3/1932.
OBITUARY
MR JOHN ALBERT AINGE
Last evening some anxiety was being felt for the welfare of Mr John Albert Ainge, who had been missing from his home in Onslow street, St. Clair. Mr Ainge left home at 10 o’clock yesterday, morning, and had not returned at a late hour last night. Intimation of that fact was communicated to the police, with the result that a search was carried out. This morning the dead body of Mr Ainge was found lying near the Valpy street steps at St. Clair. There were wounds about the throat.
Mr J. A. Ainge, who was a well known and extremely well-liked personality in this city, was a son of Mr Joseph Ainge, at one time proprietor of the hotel at Seacliff and later of the Grand Hotel, Dunedin. The deceased had been in ill-health for several months, and had been very much depressed by reverses in business. During recent years he was engaged in the wine and spirit business, as a general merchant, and as a representative for various agencies, and was also interested in his late brother’s farm at Waimate.
Mr Ainge was a popular figure in sporting circles. He took a keen interest in affairs of the turf, having been a member of the committee of the Dunedin Jockey Club and, the owner of Pink Note, a winner of the Dunedin Cup, as well as of several other horses which he bred for himself.
He has been described as the kindest hearted man it was possible to meet in Dunedin — one who was always helping somebody. As one of his oldest friends has it — “If there was ever a model of unselfishness in this world it was Bert Ainge.” He’ leaves a widow, three daughters, and three sons to mourn his loss. His age was forty-three years. -Evening Star, 17/3/1932.
Although the burial of Mr J. A. Ainge at Anderson’s Bay this morning was privately conducted, many personal and business friends attended, also representatives of various trade organisations and sporting bodies, about forty cars joining the procession from the residence en route to the cemetery. The service at the house and at the graveside was conducted by, the Rev. R. G. McDowall. -Evening Star, 19/3/1932.
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