THE REV. 0. BLUNDELL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 12 November 1925, Page 4

THE REV. 0. BLUNDELL.

Line OF WOULD interests. The Rev. Oscar Blundell, minister of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, New Plymouth, who met his death at Mt. Egmont early yesterday morning, was a man of wide interests, and, apart from his work in bis church, had shared in many of the secular activities of the town. He was a keen astronomer, and it was chiefly owing to liis initiative that the Astronomical Society and Observatory were established. He also undertook the duties of probation officer and did excellent work in endeavouring to keep youthful offender's on the, right path. He was an active member of the Victoria League, and was a keen golfer when time permitted. Though not apparently of vigorous physique. Air. Blundell was an enthusiastic mountaineer and yachtsman and proved capable of holding his own with the best climbers. He with a companion made the first crossing of the Little Barrier Island. He was a frequent visitor to Alt. Egmont and was well acquainted with the mountain flora.

It may not be generally known that Mr. Blundell came out 'to New Zealand as a lad with the intention of going on the land, and one of his first attempts in that direction was by taking employment with a Mr. Sharman, Pahiatua, who had a farm on the road leading to Ngaturi. . Pahiatua was then in the making, virgin forest being in evidence everywhere. Apparently this kind of farming did not suit Mr. Blundell, and after a few years in the Forty-Mile Bush he went south and took up church work, eventually being ordained as a minister.

The Rev. J. E. Lopdell, of Wyndham, Southland., a. student colleague of the late Mr Blundell, is coming up to take the funeral on iSaturdlay afternoon. He will be assisted by the (Rev. Mr Brown, Moderator of the Taranaki Presbytery.