James Alexander Main

James Alexander Main ( -1937)

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1937 Obituary

THE death took place in London last week, following an operation, of Mr. James A. Main, a prominent member of the structural engineering industry.

More than fifty years ago Mr. Main entered the business of his father, the late Mr. James A. R. Main, who in 1866 had founded the firm of A. and J. Main and Co., of Glasgow.

When, in 1896, the firm was converted into a limited company, Mr. J. A. Main became one of the directors, and at the time of his death he was chairman of the company, a position he had held for many years. He took an active part in the intense production demanded of the structural engineering industry during the war and in particular was largely responsible for the design and construction of many of the large sheds required for the building and housing of airships. He was also a pioneer in the use of steel buildings on the tea estates of Assam and Northern India.

From his youth the treatment of tea was to him a fascinating study, and he was responsible for several important inventions and developments in that business. His firm's interests in India took him fairly frequently to Calcutta, where he had many friends. In every department of his business he was progressive and inventive, and possessed marked ability in organisation. His straightforward and friendly character made him respected and beloved by his colleagues, his staff, and his workmen.

Although by no means a recluse, he took little part in public life. He was always proud, howover, of the fact that he was a direct descendant of John Mennons, the founder of the Glasgow Herald. ---

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