Old Resident Passes

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 19, 24 January 1938, Page 2

Old Resident Passes

LATE MR. A. BARRELL One of the oldest and most respected residents of Pahiatua died at the age of 86 at Rawene Hospital, Hokianga, last Sunday morning. Mr. Barrell had not enjoyed good health for the past 12 months, having undergone a serious operation in the Bowen Street Hospital, Wellington, his recovery, amazing as it was, being only temporary. Mr. Barrell had a return of the complaint which he suffered from and was obliged to re-enter the hospital at Hokianga, where he was visiting his daughter.

The funeral took place at the Pahiatua cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, when a large assemblage met at the graveside to pay their last respects. A brief service was conducted at St. Peter's Church by Rev. H. Wilson, who performed the last rites at the graveside, which was adorned with many beautiful wreaths. The chief mourners were Messrs. C. A. Barrell, M.P., L. H. Barrell, R. M. Barrell (sons), and C. Miller (son-in-law). The pall bearers were Messrs. G. W. Chatwin, P. R. Boagey, E. P. Badger, S. T. Tinney, A. W. White and \V. R. Davenport. The Masonic and Oddfellows' Lodges were both represented as well as local bodies. The late Mr. Barrell was born at Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk, England, in 1862, being the eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Barrell who came to New Zealand in 1864, landing at Lyttelton. Mr. Barrell senior then took up land in the Rangiora district, his children being educated privately. Flour-milling was Abraham Barrell's first calling, the lad being apprenticed to one of the Rangiora mills. Some years later he joined the firm of Boyd and Keir, builders and contractors, of Rangiora, by whom he was employed until he left for the North Island in IS9O. Mr. Barrell went first to Mangatainoka on coming to the North Island, taking on building in Pahiatua where he put up various buildings, including an office for Mr. Briggs, a land agent. He had married at Rangiora—Miss Skudder—and there were four children when the family shifted to the North Island. Four more children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Barrell at Mangatainoka. Mr. Barrell carried on with his building activities in the district for several years when he turned his attention to the butchery trade, setting up a small shop at Mangatainoka. Later on he entered into partnership with Mr. George Early, in a shop in Pahiatua, which was cbfidficted most successfully. Retiring from business in 1910 Mr. Barrell disposed of his interest in the butchery to take over a farm property he possessed at Mangatainoka. Some five years later Mr. Barrell gave up active farming to live in retirement in Pahiatua. Ho had been a very keen rifle shot in his younger days and was always ready to assist the young men in the sport in after years. While living at Mangatainoka Mr.

devoted himself to the interest of the local school being chairman of the committee for many years during the regimes of Mr. G. W. Chatwin and the late Mr. H. Wilson (who was the first teacher at Mangatainoka). Mr. Barrell served on the Pahiatua County Council while living at Mangatainoka, and was chairman of the Domain Board and the Library Committee, besides being president of the Mangatainoka Athletic Society of which he was one of tho founders. During his residence in Pahiatua ho served for a number of years on the Borough Council. A member of the Pahiatua A. and P. Association, of which he was president, later being elected a life member.

Ever since he had resided in the district Mr. Barrell had been a keen bowler, his association with the Pahiatua Club dating back over 22 years. He filled the office of patron for a number of years and was appointed green supervisor in succession to the late Mr. Wm. Wakeman. The club made him an honorary life member some years ago in recognition of his long service as patron and green supervisor. Mr. Barrell was a Past Master of Lodge Tararua and was a member of the Loyal Mangatainoka Lodge which he helped to found, being the first N.G. For over 40 years Mr. Barrell had served as Justice of the Peace, being senior Justice in Pahiatua for many years. He took a great interest in his work in this connection right until he left Pahiatua.

Mr. Barrell who was a member of the Anglican Church, was a strong supporter of St. Mark’s, at Mangatainoka, helping in a large way to have the building established. For many years Mr. Barrell's eldest daughter acted as organist at St. Mark’s, serving in that capacity till she married. Mrs. Barrell predeceased her husband some ten years ago and a daughter, Mrs. Wotherspoon, died about four years ago. Left to mourn their loss are: Charles Barrell, M.P. (Hamilton), Leonard Barrell (Hokianga), Mrs. A. J. Ebbett (Lake Tekapo), Raymond Barrell (Morrinsville), Leslie Barrell (Whakatane), Mrs. H. Anderson (Kaeo), and Mrs. C. W. Miller (Hataitai, Wellington) *