Obituary Sir Russell Matthews

Press, 30 November 1987, Page 5

Obituary Sir Russell Matthews

PA New Plymouth

Sir Russell Matthews, a leading figure in the development of the Pukeiti rhododendron trust and former owner of Tupare gardens, has died, aged 91.

With other interested people in 1952, he adopted the project of developing the bush-clad area now known as Pukeiti. In 1932 he and his wife

bought a 3.2 ha scrubcovered property and developed it into one of New Zealand’s most outstanding homes and gardens —• noted for its horticultural interest, Tudor architecture and landscaped beauty. The property, Tupare, was opened to the public 30 years ago and was taken over by the Queen Elizabeth II trust in 1985. Sir Russell was bom in New Plymouth and edu-

cated at new Plymouth Boys’ High School. In 1936, he formed Matthews and Kirby, Ltd, road sealing contractors, and ran the business as managing director until 1942. He then became sole proprietor of Russell Matthews and Co, the country’s largest road sealing contractor. Sir Russell was also involved with the Outward Bound Trust, Tatum Park Trust, and Repertory

Society. He was a past chairman of the New Zealand Rhododendron Association, fellow of the' Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, park ranger, and life member of St John Ambulance and the Society for the Intellectually Handicapped. He was awarded the 0.8. E. in 1971 and made a knight bachelor in 1981. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons.