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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Webb, James

Webb, James , Carpenter and Undertaker, Arrowtown. Mr Webb was born at Kenilworth, England, in 1844, and attended school, and learned the grocery trade, in his native place. He arrived in Lyttelton, in 1874, by the ship “Lady Jocelyn,” and shortly afterwards settled at Arrow. For some time he was employed in local stores, but ultimately commenced business as a carpenter and undertaker. Mr Webb is of an inventive turn of mind, and has recently taken out a patent for the destruction of small birds. A cage with a canary or some other bird in it, is suspended from the roof of the destroyer, which is a frame enclosed in wire netting. This serves as an attraction to the sparrows. The ground below is spread with poisoned grain, which the sparrows take greedily. Thus the poison is kept from domestic fowls, and the destroyer may, with safety, be planted in the centre of poultry or stock yards. It is said to have proved very effective for its purpose. Mr Webb served for about fourteen years in the Arrow Rifles. He was married, in 1876, to Miss Cowan, of Edinburgh, and has four sons and seven daughters.