Obituary

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 192, 15 August 1945, Page 8

Obituary

There passed away recently at his residence in Palmerston North Mr. Edward Henry Cummerfield, the last of the original group of settlers who took up virgin bush land in Apiti. He had farmed his original land, with additions, for 51 years, before retiring to Palmerston North seven years ago. He was a foundation member of the Apiti School Committee, Cemetery Board, Domain Board and Sports Club. Of the last named he was still patron at the time of his death. He w r as for many years a director of the Apiti Dairy Company. The first church service was held in his whare and many travellers found welcome shelter and food there also. He was keenly interested in all sport and was a well known liandicapper. He was born in 1860, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Cummerfield, of Foxton, who had come to New Zealand in 1840 in the second ship to bring settlers to this then new country. He is survived by his wife, three daughters and one brother, his only son having predeceased him some years ago.

MR. WILIAM HOFFMEISTER OF FEILDING. A well known resident of Feilding in the person of Mr. William Hoffmeister of Nelson Street, passed away with tragic suddenness at his home on Monday in his G2nd year. A retired civil servant the late Mr. Hoffmeister, who was born in Wellington, had resided in Feilding for over 40 years and w r as well known both for his long association with the P. & T. Department in Feilding and his interest in crirket and bowls. He was a son of August and Caroline Hoffmeister of Wellington and as a youth joined the P. & T. Department, serving the larger part of his active life in the Feilding Post Office and retiring some few years ago. He was a keen cricketer and always performed well with file bat. On retiring he took up bowls with the Oroua Club of which ho was a popular member. Of a quiet and retiring disposition the late Mr. Hoffmeister enjoyed the respect of all and was known for many kindly acts. He married Miss Alice B. Heald a member of a well known Feilding family who is left to mourn his tragic passing together with one son, Gordon, who is serving with the 2nd N.Z.E.F. overseas.

The funeral took place at Feilding j'-esterday and drew together a very large gathering of sympathisers including several from far afield. There were .many floral tributes including those from the staff of the P. & T. Feilding and the Oroua Bowling Club. The Rev. C. Eaton conducted the services and the pallbearers were Messrs E. A. Palmer, H. T. Simmonds, J. Mason, H. Heald, A. E. Garlick (representing Odd Fellows’ Lodge), Hawker and Gledhill.