OBITUARY

Northern Advocate, 28 June 1944, Page 2

OBITUARY

Mr. William E. Telfer

Well known in the timber trade in Northland, Mr. William Ernest Telfer died recently at Whangarei at the age of 79 years. Born in Parua Bay, Mr. Telfer was the son of a pioneering family of that district. At an early age he entered the timber industry, which then, was perhaps the chief in Northland. During his active life in the bush, Mr. Telfer managed bush contracts in various part of Northland, including the Rangiora block in Hokianga, and a large area near Whangaruru. About 20 years ago he entered into partnership with Mr. H. Foster in a timber and joinery business in Wjhangarei . and later, when the timber section business was taken over by the Whangarei Timber Company.'he became a director of that firm. In 1928 he retired from business life. He has lived with his daughters for some years, and it was at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Ansell, of Whangarei, that Mr. Telfer passed suddenly away.

Timber Authority

Always having taken an interest in sports, Mr. Teller, during the latter part of his life, was often to be seen on the bowling greens, being a member of the Whangarei Bowling Club, and prior to that of the Carlton Club in Auckland. He was also a keen follower of Rugby and cricket, and was usually to be seen where these games were being played, having, in his younger days, taken an active part in both.

Mr. Telfer was an authority on New Zealand timbers, gaining much knowledge from his lifelong association with the timber trade. He was interested in afforestation and was a member of the Bird and Forest Protection Society. Of a genial and kindly disposition, he was a generous supporter of the Red Cross Society. Mother 100 Hears of Age

He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. G. McLean (Dunedin), Mrs. M. B. Ansell (Whangarei) and Mrs. D. Douglas (.Whareora). His only son lost his life at Gallipoli in the last war. There are eight grand-children and one great-grandchild. One grandson is with the forces overseas in this war. Mr. Telfer’s mother. Mrs. A. Telfer, of Onerahi, is still alive at the age of 100 years.