Some of our old sports may remember James Towers, often called "Jimmy the Baker" (says the Dunedin correspondent of "The Press"). His death is announced from St. Bathans. He followed the sport of racing in various capacities for over seventy years, and had got into the 'nineties. Of late years he was quite blind. He was personally known to Dan O'Brien and many other old-timers, and up to a recent date regularly visited the Grand National Meetings at Ricearton. -Press, 8/9/1915.
PERSONAL
On Thursday there passed away peacefully, at his residence, St. Bathans, Mr James Towers, one of the pioneers of the Otago goldfields. He had reached the age of 92 years. When a young, robust man he left his native home near Edinburgh for the United States and was alluvial goldmining in California in 1849. From there he landed in Australia, and in Victoria followed up gold digging in various localities. Attracted by the discovery of gold in Otago, he landed in New Zealand in 1861, and followed the various rushes at Waitahuna, Duustan, Shotover, and the Dunstan Creek or St. Bathans rush in 1864. In his youth he learnt the bakery trade, and, after retiring from mining pursuits, he started business 30 years ago as a baker, and carried it on until failing health forced his retirement from active life. He was a keen supporter of the turf and the boxing ring, and a genuine clean sport, who had a thorough knowledge of racing. Latterly, his sight became so weak that his presence at the Dunedin or Christchurch races was wondered at, but when asked why he still attended, his sporting reply was, "Yes, but though I canna see the race can hear the rattle o' the hoofs.'' To the last his memory was excellent, and he revelled in recounting experiences of the early days in California, Victoria, and Otago. The late Mr Towers was unmarried, and had no relatives in New Zealand. -North Otago Times, 4/9/1915.
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