CITY IDENTITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22977, 3 March 1938, Page 13

CITY IDENTITY

NEWSPAPER ACTIVITIES DEATH OF MR. W. BLOMFIELD Well-known cartoonist One of the best-known figures in Auckland, Mr. William Blomfield, one of the proprietors of the Observer, ancl for many years a leading caricaturist, died at a private hospital last evening. Mr. Blomfield was born in Auckland in April, 1866, and in 1884 he joined the New Zealand Herald as artist and in 1887 transferred to the Observer. In the early nineties, when the paper was placed on the market, he and the Hon. W. J. Geddis bought it and soon made it an influential weekly, giving special attention to the sidelights of Auckland public and private life, with the illustrations by "Bio" as one of its principal features. In later years the partnership established the Christchurch Spectator, the Wellington Free Lance and the Waihi Daily Telegraph, and in 1914 Mr. Blomfield purchased the interests of Mr. Geddis in the Observer. In addition to his newspaper activities, Mr. Blomfield was a director of many mining and commercial enterprises.

Mr. Blomfield was one of the original members of *Takapuna's first borough council and became the second Mayor in 1913, holding that position for seven years. He was twice grand president of the Grand Lodge of Druids of New Zealand. The Old Thames Boys' Association owed its formation to his initiative and he held the office of president from the beginning until two years ago. when he became patron. He Was twice president of tho Takapuna Bowling Club. When the Auckland Rotary Club was formed Mr. Blomfield was made its sergeant-at-arms and almost to the last was a conspicuous figure at the weekly meeting. A six weeks' tour of the Cape Runaway district recently took a heavy toll of Mr. Blomfield's energies and on Monday he was compelled to enter a hospital. He is survived by three sons and two daughters. The sons are Dr. W. A. Blomfield and Mr. Eric Blomfield, of Auckland, and Mr. Cyril Blomfield, of Otorohanga. and the daughters are Mrs. Ivan O'Meara, of Gisborne, and Miss Rence Blomfield, of Takapuna. Mrs. Blomfield died two years ago. Four of Mr. Blomfield's brothers are well known in Auckland. These are Messrs. Frederick, John, Charles and Thomas Blomfield. "Lofty" Blomfield, the Auckland professional heavy-weight wrestler who is now in the United States seeking the world's title, is a nephew.