Mexborough & Swinton Times, December, 9th, 1932

Obituary.

Mr. W. B. Cownie

Transport Pioneer

The death occurred on Monday at the age of 59, of Mr. W. B. Cownie, managing director of a number of transport and electricity supply undertakings, including the Mexborough and Swinton traction Company, with the formation of which he was concerned quarter of a century ago.

Mr. Cownie was educated at Edinburgh, became a chartered accountant and took a position with a London firm in 1S95. Four years later he became secretary of the National Electric Construction Company, and later managing director.

This company acquired interests in a large number of public utility undertakings in various parts of Great Britain.

Mr. Cownie had a notable career as a sportsman. He played Rugby football for Scotland against England, Ireland and Wales in 1893-5, and Scotland beat England on each occasion. He gave up his football career at the age of 22 to devote himself to business.