DAVIS, MOSS (1847-1933) was born in London. After some years in Australia with his parents he returned to England (1855), where he entered Dr Vickers' school in Lombard Street. In 1861 he came to New Zealand and entered business first with his uncle in Lyttelton and later with his father, a merchant in Nelson. He married (1867) Leah Jacobs (of Melbourne). In 1871 he took over the business, from which he was soon able to retire, and in 1885 he joined the firm of Hancock and Co., brewers, Auckland, of which he became the sole owner on the death of his partner, Samuel Jagger. Davis retired and took up his residence in London in 1908. He made valuable gifts to the Auckland Art Gallery and Public Library, and served as commissioner in London for the Auckland Art Exhibition (1913-14). He was a member of the New Zealand War Contingent Association (1915-20). His death occurred on 1 Jan 1933. A son, ERNEST HYAM DAVIS (1872-), became mayor of Auckland (1935) and was knighted (1937).

Cycl. NZ., ii; Who's Who N.Z., 1932; The Dominion and N.Z. Herald, 2 Jan 1933 (P).

Reference: Volume 1, page 114

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