FARM LEADER'S DEATH

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33155, 20 February 1973, Page 15

FARM LEADER'S DEATH

A former president of North Canterbury Federated iFarmers and former chairman of the North Canterbury jNassella Tussock Board, Mr John William Earl, died in I Christchurch last week. He was 70. Bom at Waikari Mr Earl | went to school at Horsley Downs and Waikari before returning to his father's farm at Waikari. which he began farming on his own account :in the late 19205. He handed over to his sons in 1965. Active in the old Farmers’ Union before the formation 01 rederated Farmers. Mr Earl was chairman of the Hawarden-Waikari branch of Federated farmers in 194546. a delegate from the branch to the provincial executive in 1946-47 and then provincial president from 1 1947 to 1949. Recently he ■was awarded a life meniherishin badge by the North Canterbury province. ' Fie served as an advisory member of the HawardenWaikari Young Farmers’; .Club and also helped to ■establish a club at St Bede’s College. During World War II he served in the Home Guard. Long service He was a founder of the Ii North Canterbury Nassella I, Tussock Board and was its; (first chairman from 1946 to I 11951. He then became a co- : j opted member of the board; jand remained a member until p 1966. thus serving for a 1 total of 20 years. I From 1953 to 1965 he was!

also a member of the North Canterbury Electric Power Board. He also had a long association with the Waikari Lime Company as a director and was a former president ol the Hawarden Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr Earl was also a foundation member of the Hawarden Bowling Club and took a leading part in getting the club established. He was also a foundation member of the Amberley Trotting Club, and before World War II was for a long period a member of the Waikari Rifle Club. He was also a prominent member of the Hawarden Catholic Church and a justice of i the peace.

Mr Earl is survived by his wife and one daughter. .Mrs P H. Clean (Hawardeni and four sons — Messrs W. D. Earl (Waikari), J. A. Earl (Christchurch). D. M. Eail (Hawarden), and C. J. Lail (Hawarden).