James Alfred Court was a son of George Court, the founder of “George Court and Sons Ltd,” whose drapery business was established in Karangahape Road, Auckland.

J. A. Court was a passenger aboard the Wimmera on its departure from Auckland on Monday 10 July 1911. He was bound for Sydney before travelling on to Melbourne where he would be learning Australian business methods.

“At the Islington Tea Rooms on Friday, 7th July, a farewell was tendered to Mr James A. Court by the male employees of Messrs George Court and Sons, Ltd. The entertainment took the form of a smoking concert, to which representatives of the principal wholesale soft goods warehouses were invited. A large gathering resulted, and a programme of excellent merit was listened to by an appreciative audience. Mr Court was the recipient of a handsome travelling bag from the staff, and in response to the toast of “The Guest,” spoke in feeling terms of the real friendship displayed at all times towards him by his fellow workers. In replying to the toast of “The Firm,” Mr George Court, senr., spoke of many matters of mutual interest, including the “Universal Saturday Half-Holiday” movement, of which he is a strong advocate. Mr T. Frost acted as chairman in his usual witty and efficient manner. The following gentlemen contributed items to the programme: Messrs E. Armstrong, C. D. Binnington, F. Carbines, C. Archer, L. Trembath, A. Cooper, C. Stewart, J Court, W. Lindsay, and also an orchestra of six performers. Mr James A. Court left by the s.s. Wimmera on Monday, 10th inst., en route for Melbourne, where he will spend a time in studying the methods of the Australians.“

Observer, Volume XXXI, Issue 44, 15 July 1911, Page 4

Karangahape Road, Auckland
Detail from postcard showing George Court & Sons ‘Beehive’ store.
Author’s collection.