FORMER’ WANGANUI MAN’S DEATH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 208, 3 September 1943, Page 4

FORMER’ WANGANUI MAN’S DEATH

MR. VERNON B. McFARLANE The death occurred in New York of Mr. Vernon Balfour McFarlane, well-known night club decorator, at the age of 44 years. Born in Wanganui, Mr. McFarlane was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Andrew McFarlane, of Durie Hill, and a brother of Mr. Ken. McFarlane, now serving overseas. He was educated at the Victoria Avenue and Queen’s Park Schools and at the age ot 14 joined a J. C. Williamson theatrical company which was touring New Zealand. Later, in Australia, he commenced his career as a stage actor. A few years later he acted in England, and in “Rouge et Noir,” an army show in France. While in France he was wounded by shrapnel and the complications which set in eventually caused nis death. Going to America about 20 years aog, Mr. McFarlane settled in New York and forsook the theatre for interior decoration. Possessing a flair •or effects that pleased cafe society taste, he achieved man? succ'-ssc’.; in ..d special field, notably in the decorations of Le Coq Rouge, Penord s Bath Club, Marlborough House, Spivy’s, Palm Island Casino in Florida and Ben Maiden’s Riviera.