OBITUARY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19049, 28 June 1924, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR WILLIAM PARNELL. Another pioneer of the district, in the person of Mr William Parnell, passed away at Wanganui yesterday, at the advanced age of 79 years. The deceased was of an unostentatious disposition and was highly esteemed by all those who had the pleasure of coming in contact with him; and the news of his death will be received with deep regret. Mr Parnell, who was born in Oldringham, Suffolk, was a shipmate of Mr W. T. Benefield in the Waikato, and came to pew Zealand in the year 1873, landing in Wellington on July 11. In those days it was difficult to find employment in Wellington, and the new arrivals were very disappointed and downhearted. Mr Benefield was told that Wanganui was the garden of New Zealand, and being a nurseryman by profession he said to his friend, Mr Parnell, that he was going to Wanganui, and they agreed to make the journey together. Some 36 more of the new arrivals, when they learned of the decision, said they would also go to Wanganui. The next difficulty was to find a means of transport. The old Rangitira came into port with a load of cattle from Greymouth, and as she was going to Wanganui here was an opportunity for the immigrants. Straw was placed in the hold of the vessel, and here Mr Parnell and others found accommodation to bring them to Wanganui. For a time deceased adapted himself to whatever employment was offering, and later followed his occupation as a landscape gardener, and his skill in this direction is manifest in many of the well laid out grounds in Wanganui and district. In recent years he also established a nursery business. To the cause of charity the deceased never turned a deaf ear. He was a keen bowling enthusiast for many years, and was an active member of the St. John’s and Gonville Clubs. He at all times interested himself in | the Beautifying Society, and for 18 years held the office of president of the St. John’s Workingmen’s Club, only retiring from office a little over a year ago. Some months back deceased had a severe illness, which made inroads on what had hitherto been a strong constitution. Eight days ago Mr Par nell was again stricken with sickness and obliged to enter a private hospital. On Thursday he had improved so much that he was able to get up for a while but yesterday morning he suffered another relapse, which terminated fatally. The deceased is survived by a widow, five daughters, and two sons, and the sympathy of a large circle of friends will bq‘ extended to them in their bereavement. The daughters are Mrs G. Richardson (New Plymouth), Mrs Gibbard (Rapanui). Mrs J. H. Watson (Papaiti), Mrs Kench (Springvale), a"d Mrs E. J. Palmer (Sandy Hook). and the sons Messrs James Parnell and Harry Parnell (Wanganui).