It was with feelings of very deep regret that the news was received here last Friday of the death, in London on December 29, 1919, ct Mr. Henry Reid Kinnear, senior partner of Gibb, Livingston & Ca., at the age of 70 years; as for a period of 32 years—from 1882 to 1914—Mr, Kinnear was one of Shanghai's most prominent and highly respected residents.
Mr. Kinnear, who, we believe, was Canadian born, came to China in 1865, taking up a position in the firm of Westall and Galton, at Foochow, which was then a far more important place than it is now. There he remained for 17 years. In 1882 he came to Shanghai and joined the firm of Gibb, Livingston Ca., and from that time until 1914 his business interests were centred During this, Mr. Kinnear saw striking developments, and assisted in them to no small extent. With Mr. Jenner Hogg, he took a leading part in the formation of the Shanghai Land Investment Ca. Phe company was incorporated in December, 1888, and, of the seven subscribers' who signed the articles of association, Mr. Kinnear and Mr. Jenner Hogg were, until the death of the former, the only two remaining closely associated with. the company.
Business Acriviriss, Mr. Kinnear's business activities were many and varied. He rendered excellent service as director on the board of the Ewo Cotton Mill, the Shanghai and Hongkew Whart Ca., the Standard Life Insurance Qo., and the Shanghai Waterworks Ca. He was also an active member of the China Association. Though at no time aspiring to what may be called prominence in public affairs, Mr. Kinnear was always keenly alive to the best interests of the community, and his advice proved invaluable on many occasions.
He became a member of the Municipal Council in 1899, and served again from 1901-1993," being Chairman in 1902 and presiding at the annual meeting. For many years he was a valued member the Shanghai Chamber of Commerce Committee, and was twice elected to the chair.
Mr. Kinnear severed his connexion with Shanghai ing June, 1914, leaving for England to enjoy a well-deserved retirement after nearly 50 years of life in China.
Since his retirement, though continuing his connexion with the fire of Gibb, Livingston & Ca., Mr. Kinnear took no active part in the business of the firm. He resided in chambers in St. James' Street, London, but had been in ill health for the past year or so.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.