COCKER, JAMES (1862-1935) was born at Calver, Devonshire, and educated there and at Hartley College, Manchester, and ordained in the Methodist ministry in 1890. He was nine years at Buxton works and one year at Ashton-under-Lyme Primitive Methodist church before coming to New Zealand (in 1890). He held many charges here but was notable for his work in the temperance movement and in journalism as editor of the N.Z. Primitive Methodist (1905-13), associate editor of the New Zealand Methodist Times (1915-19) and editor of the Vanguard. He was a member of licensing committees in four cities. Cocker published a number of books on Biblical and social topics. He married (1892) Sarah A. Holles (of Calver). His death occurred on 6 Mar 1935.

Who's Who N.Z., 1932.

Reference: Volume 1, page 100

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