OBITUARY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 41, 18 February 1941, Page 9

OBITUARY

MR. A. E. ANSELL

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

DUNEDIN, February 17.

The death occurred suddenly yesterday morning of Mr. Alfred Edward Ansell, a well-known citizen of Dunedin, who for many years had been deeply interested in motoring affairs. He represented the Chalmers electorate in Parliament for two terms.

Born in Dunedin in 1876, Mr. Ansell was educated at the North-East Valley School. He took an active interest in the affairs of the Otago Motor Club from the time of its inception in 1906, and was president for seven or eight

years. He was prominent in road development in New Zealand, and a former Prime Minister (Mr. Coates) stated on one occasion that Mr. Ansell, perhaps more than any other person in New Zealand, was responsible for the Highways Act being placed on the statutes.

At the General Election of 1928 Mr. Ansell was elected as Reform member for Chalmers, and was returned again in 1931. During his Parliamentary career he paid particular attention to transport problems, and his comprehensive proposals for the elimination of level crossings on railway lines brought before the House in the 1934 session, were adopted by the Government. Another important activity in his Parliamentary life related to juvenile employment.

Since about 1935 Mr. Ansell had been branch manager of the South Island Motor Union Mutual Insurance Association. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, and a son.