OBITUARY

Evening Star, Issue 23065, 17 September 1938, Page 13

OBITUARY

MR DICK FARRANT For many years an employee of the Hillside Workshops, where he closely identified himself with many of its social activities before his retirement, Mr Dick Farrant died on Thursday, aged 82. Mr Farrant, who was horn at Castlemaine. Victoria, came? to Dimed i n with liis parents during the (tabriel’s Gully gold rush, and received his education at the Middle District School, leaving as dux in 1872. lie was apprenticed to the firm of A. llobin and Co., coachbuildcrs. but he served prac-

tically the full term of his activity in the Hillside Railway Workshops, and held a special diploma conferred by the Home Executive of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers in recognition of his 25 years’ service as local referee and treasurer. He was one of the promoters, and a life member, of the Hillside Library, generally acknowledged to bo one of the best private libraries in the Dominion. When a branch of the A.S.R.S. was formed in 1889 Mr Farrant was one of the founders, and took a prominent part in its activities, occupying the presidential chair for two years. He retired from the service of the Railways Department in 1915, and assisted in the formation in 1920 of the Association of Superannuated Public Servants, of which he was elected secretary, an office he held for many years. During the term of his retirement he was an enthusiastic member of the Caversham Bowling Club, of which he was a past president and a life member. Mr Farrant was one of the oldest members of the Hope of Dunedin Tent, Independent Order of Rechabites, having joined in 1883. He was secretary for over 20 years of that period, passing through the various offices, and representing the tent at district councils for many years. He was also a past District Chief Ruler, the highest office conferred by the order. The establishment of juvenile tents with the object of encouraging and educating the young people in the ethics of abstinence was ever hie principal activity in the order. During his busy life Mr Farrant always took a keen and active interest in volunteering. He gained a commission as lieutenant of the No. 1 Cadets at the age of 15 years, was for many years a member of the No. 1 City Guards, and later served for 13 years as ser-geant-major of the No. 2 Field Ambulance Corps. He was also a member of the Cargill Road Methodist Church for many years, until he was prevented by growing infirmities from taking any further part in the interests of the church.