COHEN, MAURICE (1862-1934) was born at Cooma, New South Wales, the son of Sigismund Cohen, and came to New Zealand with his parents as a child. He was educated partly at Christ's College and at the New Zealand University and commenced mercantile life in 1878 with Mason Struthers and Co., Christchurch. In 1881 he joined J. Nathan and Co., Wellington, and shortly afterwards was appointed manager of the Palmerston North branch. On the incorporation of the Manawatu Farmers' Cooperative Association, he was appointed general manager, and in 1895 he became manager in Palmerston North of the United Farmers' Cooperative Association. He retired in 1920.

Cohen was mayor of Palmerston North (1905-07), a member of the Wellington harbour board (1908-32), president of the Palmerston North chamber of commerce (1899) and of the Manawatu A. and P. association (1906). He was keenly interested in music. In Sydney he was a member of the Musical Union and in Palmerston he was for 20 years conductor of the Orchestral Society. Cohen was an advocate of the separation of Palmerston North from Wanganui in hospital administration. He was a prominent freemason and held office in many sports bodies. He died on 8 Jul 1934.

Who's Who N.Z., 1924, 1932; Cycl. N.Z., i (P).

Reference: Volume 1, page 100

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