OBITUARY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 111, 10 April 1934, Page 7

OBITUARY.

MR J. P. ELLA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) TOKOMARU, April 9. The death occurred suddenly at Parapara, near Collingwood, on March 16, of Mr John Plummer Ella, at the age of 49 years. Deceased, who was the only son of a sea captain, was born at Wellington, but spent most of his life in the Mana•vvatu, at Tokomaru, working at flaxmills and drainage works. He took a keen interest in public affairs and had been secretary and chairman of the Tokomaru School Committee. He was a prominent Druid, being a member of Lind Lodge, Tokomaru. He had passed through all the offices and as District President had represented his district at Grand Lodge meetings. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge. About two years ago the late Mr Ella went to Parapara, where he took up goldmining. He continued to take an interest in lodge affairs, and visited both Druid and Masonic meetings in Collingwood. He became an active member of the Collingwood Druids’ Lodge and at the time of his death was Arch Druid. The funeral was largely attended, those present including representatives of the goldminers and St. Cuthbert’s Masonic Lodge as well as the Druids’ Lodge, who conducted a service. The officiating minister was Rev. Mr Evans, while the Druidic service was read by Mr E. Solly. The pall-boarers were Messrs John and Jas. Graham, K: Solly, R. J. lorns, H King and I. Ply-well. The deceased gentleman is survived by his wife, who is a daughter of Mr' and Mrs W. IP. Parr, of Tokomaru.