DIRECTOR'S DEATH

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24244, 9 April 1942, Page 9

DIRECTOR'S DEATH

ME. W. J. BLUNDELL EVENING POST CHAIRMAN (0.C.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday The death has occurred of'* Mr. Walter John Blundell, aged 74, chairman of directors of Blundell Brothers, publishers of the Evening Post. He was a member of the firm for 46 years. Mr. Blundell was the eldest son of the late Mr. John Blundell, one of the founders of the Evening Post. He was educated at Wellington College and entered the service of the newspaper 46 years ago. In 1917 he was appointed a director. On the retirement of the late Mr. L. P. Blundell, also a foundation member of the company, in 1925, he was appointed managing-director, in which position he was joined by Mr. H. P. I*. Blundell in 1930. Three years later Mr. Blundell retired from active management, but retained the position of chairman of directors until his death. Defence League Member Mr. Blundell was connected with the New Zealand Newspaper Proprietors' Association for many years, and held various positions in that organisation during the last 20 years. In 1925 he was elected a director of the United Press Association, in succession to the late Mr. Louis Blundell, and retained office until 1939, when he retired. For many years Mr. Blundell served as a member of the General Council of the National Defence League ot' New Zealand, which was formed under the presidency of Major-General Sir Andrew Russell, and he continued to hold office until that body was replaced by the New Zealand Defence League in 1938.

A devoted member of the Church of England, Mr. Blundell was on the citizens' committee set up to support the appeal for funds to erect an Anglican Cathedral in Wellington. He was the bishop's appointee on the committee of the Missions to Seamen, and was also a member of tho board of trustees of the Wellington City Mission.

Interest in Sport Mr. Blundell was for many years an active member of the Wellington Racing Club, and, as a bowler, belonged to the Kelbourne Bowling Club He was elected an honorary member of the Wellington Cricket Association, and was an official of the Umpires' Association. He was a keen supporter of Rugby football and amateur athletics, and took a practical interest in miniature shooting, both indoor and outdoor. He belonged to the Wellesley Club. In 1903 Mr. Blundell married Miss Ivy W. Barraud, daughter of the late Mr. S. C. Barraud, manager of the Lower Hntt branch of the Bank ol New Zealand. He is survived bv his wife and one son, Mr. J. B. Blundell, and two grandchildren. Surviving brothers and sisters are: Messrs. H. P. F: Blundell. Wellington, H J?Blundell, New Plymouth, H W Blundell, Maryborough, Mrs. W. M. L<uiton, England. Mrs. T. R. Law son an " Mrs. W H. Price, both of Wellington.