Mayor and Auctioneer of Timaru, New Zealand.

From the Timaru Herald

Death and Burial dates from https://www.timaru.govt.nz/

From Noelene Rogers - Moss’s and his family moved to Vancouver, Canada for some time but returned to Timaru because of Moss’ ill health. [Moss and Emma’s daughter Sara married in Vancouver during this time.]

In the April to June 1839 birth index Moses Jonas, born Brighton Sussex, volume 7, page 237.

In the 1841 census Meetinghouse Lane, Brighton, civil parish Brighthelmstone, Sussex.
Benjamin Jonas, age 35, General Dealer, not born in county.
Benjamin Jonas, age 12, born in county.
Isaac Jonas, age 10 born in county.
Clara Jonas, age 7, born in county.
Phoeba [as spelled] Jonas, age 5 born in county.
Moses Jonas, age 2, born in county.
Isabella Dunn, age 15 Female Servant, born in county.

In the 1851 census No. 17 Bell Lane, Christchurch Spitalfields, Middlesex, Whitechapel district, Artillery sub-district.
Head Benjamin Jonas, married, age 46, General Dealer, born Middlesex.
Wife Jane Jonas, age 48, born Middlesex.
Daughter Clara Jonas, single, age 17, born Sussex.
Daughter Phoebe Jonas, age 15, born Sussex.
Son Moses Jonas, age 12, General Dealer, born Sussex.
Son Rubin Jonas, age 9, born Sussex.
Daughter Ester Jonas, age 4, born Middlesex.

New Zealand Electoral Roll 1875-76 - Timaru District
Moss Jonas, Timaru, household, part section 53, Great North road, Timaru

New Zealand Eloctoral Roll 1880-81
Moss Jonas, freehold, Timaru, auctioneer, sections 460,461 Timaru

from http://wwwnzetc.org
Moss Jonas, sometime Mayor of Timaru, was born at Brighton, England, in April, 1839, and began to work on river steamboats in London at the age of thirteen. In February, 1860, he came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Cashmere,” and spent a few years in Christchurch. He settled in Timaru in 1868, and began a furniture and crockery business, to which he afterwards added auctioneering. Mr. Jonas sold out on two occasions, but finally resumed his business after a tour of five years in. Canada, America, and other parts of the world. At the Melbourne Exhibition of 1888, he was one of the commissioners representing the New Zealand Government. Besides being Mayor of Timaru, Mr. Jonas served on the Borough Council for seventeen years, and was a member of the Harbour Board for sixteen years. He has always taken an interest in local societies and orders, and has been prominent in assisting in the formation of important local concerns. Mr. Jonas was married, in May, 1871, to a daughter of the late Mr. Philip Symondson, of London, and has five sons and three daughters.

from http:s//www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nzlscant/mayors.htm

Evening Post, 9 May 1935, Page 4
Waimate. Mayoralty. G. Dash (re-elected unopposed). The Borough Council was also returned unopposed. The half-holiday is changed from Thursday to Saturday by 415 votes to 289. Only 43 per cent, of the electors voted. The only election for the Waimate County Council was in the Otaio Riding. Mr. H. B. S. Johnstone (chairman), 147 votes, defeated Mr. J. J. Gregan, 105.
Timaru. Mayoralty — T. W. Satterthwaite (sitting Mayor), 2956; G. Benstead, 2085; A. M. Paterson, 528; G. T. Koller (Labour), 349.
Moss Jonas 1839-1907
Moss Jonas was born in April 1839 at Brighton, England. At some stage before coming to New Zealand he sold shoes laces on the streets of London. He came to New Zealand in 1860 by the ship Cashmere landing at Port Chalmers. He also spent a few years in Christchurch before shifting to Timaru in 1868 where he started a crockery and furniture business. During his time in Timaru he also owned a Tannery at Saltwater Creek, built a block of shops in Stafford Street, and he built and owned the Theatre Royal in the 1880’s. In May 1871 he married Emma Symondson, who was the daughter of Philip Symondson, of London. Moss and Emma raised a large family. Moss was also the main driving force behind the building of a Jewish Synagogue in Timaru. The foundation stone for this building was laid on the 21 June 1875. During this time he somehow found time to be the President of the Jewish Congregation for a period. As well as being a Justice of the Peace, he was also the Mayor of Timaru at the time of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee (1886-1888), a member of Timaru Borough Council for 17 years, a member of the Harbour Board and also President of South Canterbury Rugby Union. In the 1882 List of Freeholders of New Zealand he owned numerous acres in the Geraldine County as well as land in Timaru. In 1898 Moss and his family went to live in Vancouver, Canada for five years where he had an auction business. He returned to Timaru in 1902 and started up again as a wool and grain broker and auctioneer in George St. Moss died in Timaru on 5 November 1907 and he is buried in the Timaru Cemetery.
from The History of Jews in new Zealand by Lazarus Morris Goldman 1958
The strong tradition and desire of small communities to establish their own houses of worship, impelled the five Jewish families of Timaru, on the east coast of the South Island between Christchurch and Dunedin, to build their own synagogue, employ their own minister and found the South Canterbury Congregation. Led by Moss Jonas, an auctioneer, commission agent and valuer who later became mayor of the town, the small band of Jews acquired a cemetery grant and bought an eighth of an acre of land in Bank Street, opposite the Wesleyan Church, for the purpose of building a synagogue. They appointed the Rev. Jacob Levy, who had then been dismissed from the Dunedin Congregation, as the Reader and Shohet, and he and the elders of the congregation on 21 June, 1875, with due pomp and ceremony and amidst a large number of Christians who had contributed to the building fund, laid the foundation-stone of the synagogue. Papers put under the cornice read: "The foundation-stone of this synagogue was laid by the elders, Chapman Jacobs, Moss Jonas, Morris Salek, Solomon Shappere and the Rev. Jacob Levy on 21 June, 1875—5635. The congregation consists of five families numbering in all twenty-seven people, and may the Almighty God and Holy One of Israel bless and protect them." After corn, wine, oil and salt had been poured upon the foundation, Levy addressed the assembly, expressing the hope that the congregation would be able to reciprocate the generosity and liberality of their Christian brothers.

https://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nzlscant/Theatre_Royal.htm
Royal Theatre, Timaru
Star 1 November 1881, Page 3
Mr Moss Jonas, proprietor of the Theatre Royal, is making extensive additions to the building, which, when completed, will render it one of the finest of its class in the Colony.
North Otago Times, 10 March 1883, Page 2 Timaru.
March 9. The new Theatre Royal, erected at a cost of over L3000 by Mr Moss Jonas, will shortly be opened. Its arrangements are said to be second to none in the colony.
North Otago Times, 26 April 1883, Page 2
Timaru. April 25. The new Theatre Royal was formally opened last night by an amateur operatic company. Mr Moss Jonas, the proprietor, and Mr Duval, the architect, were called before the curtain at the close of the performance. The improvements and alterations to the theatre have cost nearly L5000, and theatrical agents say that for its size, it is the best and most complete in the colonies. It will hold about 1000 people.

Timaru Herald, 17 May 1883, Page 8 RE-OPENING OF THE THEATRE ROYAL.
"CHILPERIC." The success which attended the re-opening of the Theatre Royal on April 24, by The Timaru Amateur Operatic Company, is, we hope, a happy omen of its future, and of many bumper houses and long "runs." Its proprietor deserves success for his enterprise in improving it regardless of expense, at time when money is far from being too plentiful, and in turning it, by the aid of Mr Duval, the Architect, into one of the most complete theatres of its sort in the Australasian colonies. Indeed, money seems to have been no object with Mr Jonas. He instructed Mr Duval to prepare the plans for a certain work, and see it carried out properly, and that the latter has done full justice to his employer and spent the large amount of money placed at his command wisely and well, there can be no doubt. In a word, while the lion's share of commendation is due to Mr Jonas for providing the public with such a building, Mr Duval, as the architect, and Mr Williams, as scenic artist, must also receive an unmeasured amount of praise. Nor must Mr Wm. McGill, the contractor for the alterations to the building itself, and Messrs Rose and Whitmore, for the stage and all its appurtenance, including no less than nineteen traps be forgotten. The stage "fixings," as they are called, are a host in themselves, and would do credit to a much larger theatre. Of the building itself we gave a full description some months ago. It may, however, not be out of place to mention that the alterations were commenced about the end of September last, and their cost, has been between £4500 and £5000. The fixed seats in the Theatre provide accommodation for 845 persons, but by means of chairs and so forth, over 1000 can be accommodated without crushing. The ceiling, the proscenium, the front of the dress circle and the entrance hall to the latter have yet to be decorated, the work having been delayed through the plaster not yet being dry enough.
Timaru Herald, 23 November 1886, Page 3 THE THEATRE BUILDINGS.
Within the last few days Mr Moss Jonas, the owner of the Theatre Royal buildings, has had his group of shops facing on the Main road considerably altered and improved. The old-fashioned, common glass fronts of the shops occupied by Messrs W. Gunn (chemist), and Farley (bookseller), were taken out, also that of the shop lately occupied by Mr Fruhauf, and new sashes and splendid plate glass fronts put in. A new bluestone entrance was also put into Mr Farley's shop, and the interior fittings altered for the better. Mr Gunn's shop has been thoroughly overhauled, repainted, etc., and the whole of the shops, when the lettering of the windows is finished, will make the part of the town they are situate in look handsomer than ever. 

Timaru Herald, 15 December 1886, Page 3
annual concert by pupils of the Timaru public Main and Side Schools took place last evening at the Theatre Royal, and was from an attendance point of view very successful. The theatre was crowded to excess, and the vast audience as usual took a deep interest m the pupils' performances. Previous to commencing the performance, the Garrison Band, under Mr T. Perry, played a number of delightful selections outside the building, their splendid playing being a theme for universal admiration. The Timaru Orchestral Society, comprising, Miss Salek (piano), Mr Wood (first violin), Mr Williams (second violin), Mr Huggins (clarinet), Mr A. Dickenson (cornet), Mr Hooper (double bass), Mr Hathaway (cello), played the music u( the cantata m a first-class manner ; also the overture " L'Aurole." Before separating, Mr Wood, the head master, returned thanks on behalf of the committee for the large attendance ; also to Mr Moss Jonas for so kindly giving the use of the theatre free of charge ; to Miss Salek for kindly presiding at the piano, and to the members of the Orchestral Society, and the Garrison Band, for gratuitous services.
Timaru Herald, 1 May 1896, Page 3
A great event in the social world in South Canterbury took place last night, when a brilliant ball was given by Mr and Mrs Moss Jonas in celebration of their Silver Wedding. Mr Jonas has for very many years been one of the most prominent men in the public life of Timaru, and closely united as his career has been with the growth and progress of the district, from both business and social points of view, it was eminently fitting that the invitations for the grand reunion last evening should be most liberally responded to and thus honour was done to Mr Jonas, and to his helpmate who has ever cordially supported all the movements with which her popular husband has been connected. In addition to well-known residents of Timaru, invitations were sent to Christchurch, Ashburton, Oamaru and Dunedin, and in almost every case these were gracefully accepted. The building used for the occasion was Messrs John Mill and Co,'s immense grain and wool store on the beach, and the arrangement of it was personally seen to by Mr and Mrs Jonas and family, who were ably assisted by Mr Mill, junr., and Mr T. D. Young, the representatives of Messrs Mill and Co. The store is of great proportions, and it may be mentioned as something unique that bales of wool representing a gross value of £7000 were utilised for the partitions between the various rooms. The main entrance was opposite the Atlas mill, the entrance hall being carpeted. To the left was a daintily furnished ladies dressing-room, and to the right a gentlemen's dressing-room. Light was furnished to these and to the hall by numerous Chinese lanterns, the gay coverings of which had a very fine effect, To the left, also, were card and smoking rooms, and at the end of the hall, a light refreshment room, very neatly arranged, and provided with ample seating accommodation. At the south end of the store was a spacious supper room, containing three large tables, which were beautifully decorated, and the menu showed that the greatest delicacies of the season and the choicest wine were bountifully provided. Lit by electric lamps the gaily decorated supper table presented a splendid appearance and did credit to Mr Budd's handiwork The whole, of the wool saleroom, 125 feel long by 40ft broad, was fitted up as the ball-room, the northern end being hand somely furnished as a drawing-room while the whole was most beautifully decorated with greenery, plentiful sprinkled with choice chrysanthemum and dahlias, and brilliantly coloured flags of all sizes and designs. The appearance of the room, which was lit by 28 electric lights, was the most brilliant ever seen m Timaru, and when the dances were m full swing the scene was remarkably pretty. The lighting, by the way was provided by a temporary in stallation fitted for the purpose from the dynamo of the Atlas Mill. The music for the round dances wag provided by the Timaru Garrison Band, win attended m full strength as a compliment to host and hostess for the many kindnesses received by them ; and for the set dances by Messrs Wood string band, the music being exception ally choice. The ball was a great success ;in fact it was far and away the most successful ever held m South Canterbury, and Mr and Mrs Jonas received the most hearty and generous congratulations on the grand celebration of their silver wedding. The presents receive' by the happy couple were numerous an costly, but m every case we feel our they were but tokens of more valuable good feelings and good wishes. The large company adjourned to supper shortly after midnight and after justice had been done to the excellent banquet provided, the chairman (Mr H G. Kerr) proposed the toast of "The Queen and Royal Family." He stated that as this was not a banquet in the usual sense there would be a very short toast list, and no long speeches. The toast was loyally honoured, and a verse of the National Anthem capitally sung. Mr Jonas was an impetuous man, and would drive ahead, sometimes rather recklessly perhaps, but he had a splendid check upon his impetuosity in Mrs Jonas, who was a splendid business woman. To his personal knowledge Mrs Jonas had on many occasions sympathised with and wisely advised her husband, and though she did not appear much in evidences she had assisted Mr Jonas very greatly by her business capacity. Some years ago Mr Jonas told him that the only bad business speculation he ever entered into was one he entered into against his wife's advice that was building a theatre for Timaru. However he built it, and has it now....
Timaru Herald, 16 February 1892, Page 3
A complimentary banquet was tendered to Mr Moss Jonas last evening by his business friends, as a token of their goodwill and esteem on his relinquishing the business he has carried on so many years in Timaru. The idea of giving Mr Jonas a social farewell of this kind proved very popular, and last evening between seventy and eighty gentlemen sat down to an excellent dinner laid in the Assembly Booms by Mr D, McGuinness....He was Mayor of Timaru for two years, and as mayor showed great energy in pushing forward town improvements. The Queen's Jubilee occurred during Mr Jonas' mayoralty, and by his efforts (ably seconded by Mr Halkett Dawson) the jubilee celebration at Timaru was one of the most successful in the colony. He also gave a Jubilee ball, and most liberally and generously provided for it, as he did for a mayor's ball previously, and another at the opening of the theatre ; all of them provided for with the same open handed generosity, and long to be remembered by those who were present as most pleasant entertainment....
end of entries from this site

In 1895 Moss Jonas is listed as being one of the many vice presidents of the New Zealand Rugby Football union, his area is South Canterbury

The IGI lists Emma Symondson, father Philip Symondson, mother Sarah, 19 December 1851, christened 23 February 1856, Old Church, Saint Pancras, London.

Parish of St Pancras records Emma Symondson child of Philip and Sarah Symondson, born 19 December, 1851, baptized February 23, 1856, abode Harrison St?, father’s occupation is Bell Founder.

London Poor Law Records
St. Pancras, Camden
Register of Workhouse Inmates
Philip Symondson, age 46, brass turner, came in July 6, 1854, went out August 2, 1854
Sarah Symondson, age 36, servant, July 6, 1854 to August 28, 1854
Clara Symondson, age 15, July 6, 1854 to August 14, 1854
Philip Symondson, age 6, July 6, 1854 to August 28, 1854
Emma Symondson, age 2 1/2, July 6, 1854 to August 28, 1854
Sarah Symondson, age 2 months, July 6, 1854 to August 28, 1854

London Poorhouse Records
St. Pancras, Camden, London
Sarah Symondson, age 41, address 27 Cromes Street, occupation Charing, admitted May 30 1859, by Mr. Whittaker, able, discharged August 20 1859
her 2 children
Emma Symondson, age 7, discharged June 4, 1859 to First gate
Sarah Symondson, age 5, discharged August 20 1859 with mother

The following is a possible lead to follow up.
from https://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nzlscant/bdm1881.htm
Also possibly connected. In the 2 April 1873 Timaru Herald
Port of Timaru, arrived April 1 -- Maori, s.s., 118 tons, Malcolm from Lyttleton. passengers, Missis LeCren(2), Miss Symondson, Miss White, and 6 in steerage.
[Since Kings Cross is very near St Pancras, it adds credibility to the possibility. Also an Emma Symondson married in 1871 also in Timaru New Zealand, Moses Jonas, they had 9 children.]

From the Timaru Herald
Births - January 1878 - JONAS - January 3rd, the wife of Mr Moss Jonas, of a son.
Births September 1879 - JONAS - At Timaru, on 19th August, the wife of Moss Jonas, of a son.
Births May 1881 - JONAS - On May 6th, at Arthur street, Timaru, the wife of Mr Moss Jonas, of a son. [The IGI gives his name as Cecil]
Births November 1882 - JONAS. On the 15th October, at Timaru, Mrs Moss Jonas, of a son.
Births February 1885 - JONAS - On the 25th February, at Timaru, the wife of Moss Jonas, of a daughter. [The IGI gives the name as Clara]

New Zealand Electoral Rolls 1896
Timaru, Canterbury
Emma Jonas, Timaru, married, domestic duties, residential
Jane Jonas, Timaru, spinster, domestic duties, residential
Moss Jonas, Timaru, wool broker, freehold, secs 346, 491, Timaru
Sarah Jonas, Timaru, spinster, domestic duties, residential
[Are Jane and Sarah other children of this marriage? Answer from Noelene Rogers: Yes they are the oldest children.]

New Zealand Electoral Rolls 1905-06
Timaru, Canterbury
Cecil Jonas, Wapiti Road, clerk
Emma Jonas, Wapiti Road, married
Jeannie Jonas, Wapiti Road, spinster
Moss Jonas, Wapiti Road,, auctioneer.
[is Jeannie another child of this marriage? Possibly Jane]

New Zealand Electoral Rolls 1914
Timaru, Canterbury
Cecil Jonas, 89, North Street, clerk
Cecelia Julia Jonas, North Street, married
Emma Jonas, North Street, married
Jeannie Jonas, 89, North Street, spinster
Julia Cecelia Jonas, 111, North Street, married

New Zealand Electoral Rolls 1914
Dunedin Central, Otago
Emma Jonas, 22 Gladstone Street, Mornington, widow
Jeanie Jonas, 22 Gladstone Street, Mornington, spinster
[They must have moved and were listed twice.]

In the Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday, January 22, 1919
Deaths
JONAS - Emma, relict late Moss Jonas, Timaru, New Zealand, beloved mother Ben (Darlinghurst), Lewis (Rockdale). God rest her soul. (By cable)
[Note: Emma died in Dunedin where her sister Sarah lived.]