James Hunter Collie
James Hunter Collie (c1874-1944)
1945 Obituary [1]
JAMES HUNTER COLLIE, who died at Birkenhead on the 28th June, 1944, at the age of 70, received his early education at Bootle Institute and Waterloo College, Liverpool, and whilst serving apprenticeships, first with Brown and Wallace and then with the Cunard Steamship Co., he attended evening classes in engineering at Liverpool Technical School and at the University of Liverpool. In 1897 he was appointed Manager of the Electrical Department of Thomas Downie and Co., and two years later he went to Cammell Laird and Co. in a similar capacity, where he spent the war years of 1914-18.
Subsequently he went into business on his own account, founding the firm of J. H. Collie and Co., and for many years he was a director of the Aabacas Engineering Co. He was an authority on electrical control gear and electric motors, and his many patents included improvements in hydrometers, battery-charge indicators, fire extinguishers, electrical fittings and automobile accessories. He was also instrumental in introducing in this country one of the first fuel-oil carburettors to be marketed here.
He was an enthusiastic gardener and had several novel ideas for easing the work involved in this activity. He took a keen interest in social welfare work in Birkenhead and was, for many years, the Hon. Treasurer of the Brassey Street Men's Club. He will be missed by all his friends, who appreciated his fine character and many good qualities, which he usually hid behind a very quiet and reserved personality. He joined The Institution as a Member in 1919.