TOWN STALWART

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 July 1939, Page 5

TOWN STALWART

DEATH OF MR C. E. DANIELL

ASSOCIATION WITH MASTERTON SINCE 1880. SPLENDID RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE. The many friends of Mr C. E. Daniell, of "Mathon Lodge," Albert Street, will learn with deep regret of his death, which occurred early this morning at his residence after a short illness. The late Mr Daniell, who had resided in Masterton for the past 59 years, was held in high respect for his sterling qualities and during his long association with the town, which he adopted on his arrival in New Zealand in 1880, he took an active and enthusiastic part in furthering its interests in every way possible. His record of public service in many spheres, especially in matters educational, was a notable one and by his death the community has lost one of its stalwarts.

Mr Daniell was born on February 29, 1856, at Melvern. Worcestershire,. England. He commenced business in England in the building trade and when, he was 18 years old he had twenty men working for him. At the age of 23 years he decided to emigrate to New Zealand with his wife and family, arriving here in January, 1880. He immediately came to Masterton, which was then 24 years old. His actual arrival in Masterton is best told in Mr Daniell’s own words. “When I arrived in New Zealand, on January 5, 1880," he stated, “there were no signs of the abounding prosperity outlined by agents in England. On the contrary, a story of depression was on all lips. The ship that brought me out, by the way, had forty passengers, and these were divided into four grades. A fellow-passenger, Mrs Battersby, who had been on a visit to England, advised me to get away into the country, offering me a letter of introduction to her nephew, Mr Chalmers, of Masterton. After two days spent in and about Wellington, I took train to Featherston, then the railhead, and from that place proceeded by coach to Masterton. My new-found friend accompanied me around for a couple of hours, and then wished me well—but with no employment in sight. I stayed the night at Kibblewhite’s Hotel, where amid the depressing talk following my inquiries, a young Irishman said: “Pluck up, Mate, you’ll get through.” He told me of a railway bridge being built over the Waingawa. Early next morning I sought, and was promised, employment there, and to save the ten shillings coach fare, walked to Featherston, returning next day with my young -family. We reached Masterton at 9 p.m.” Soon after his arrival in Masterton Mr Daniell heard of a six roomed house which was required and which he agreed to build for £l6. The prospective owner, however, wanted him to take a horse in payment. Mr Daniell then had three weeks’ scrubcutting for which he did not get paid and tried his hand at harvesting, well-sinking and other jobs. In 1882 he successfully tendered for the erection of a four roomed house on the east side of Masterton at £lB 10s, including nails and glass. For three years he was engaged in up-country work and at that time it took him two days to reach Mataikona. Works were built at Waingawa at that period for boiling down sheep and wool was selling at 4d per lb and oats at Is per bushel. The foundations of the businese of Messrs C. E. Daniell Ltd were laid soon after Mr Danieß’s arrival here in 1880 and on March 3, 1930, the members of the staff entertained him at a dinner in honour of the fiftieth anniversarycelebration of his business and his then 74th birthday. Ever since his arrival in Masterton Mr Daniell had taken a keen interest in local affairs and in the welfare of the town, which had benefited by his personal touch, help and criticism. He had a record of public service of which he could well be proud. He took a keen interest in educational matters, especially in the establishment of the Masterton Technical School. For a period of years he was a member of the Masterton School Committee, the Technical School Board of Governors (of which he was the first chairman), the Wairarapa Secondary Education Board (first chairman), .the Solway College Board of Governors and the Methodist Children’s Home. He saw lengthy service on the Masterton Trust Lands Trust, of which body he was a member for 30 years, 14 years as chairman. From 1903 to 1923 he was a member of the Wellington Harbour Board and for four years he served as chairman. He was also a member of the Masterton Borough Council, on which he was elected for the express purpose of getting water and drainage for the town, a member of the Masterton Licensing Bench and captain of the Volunteer Fire Brigade. Mr Daniell was always a staunch supporter of the Methodist Church and during his long association with its work he rendered yeoman service in many ways. For 50 years he was superintendent of the Sunday School, in which, as in his other activities, he achieved notable success. He gave many years faithful service as a circuit steward and was always ready to help the church in any way possible. On many occasions he was a representative of the circuit at the annual conference of the church.

Mr Daniell's wife predeceased him. 25 years ago and he is survived by a family of four sons. Messrs F. C., A. H., L. T. and H. H. Daniell, all of Masterton. and seven daughters. Mesdames D. E. Parton. L. A. Denton; H. Inns. J. A. Smith. E. M. Hodder and the Misses W. and E. Daniell. The funeral will take place tomorrow, following a service to be held at the Methodist Church at 11 a.m.