MB RICHMOND KEELE.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14832, 25 November 1913, Page 9

MB RICHMOND KEELE.

Mr Richmond Keele, who for about five years was postmaster at Lyttelton, died at Iris,residence, Winchester street, Lyttelton, at about 8.30 a.m. yesterday, after a long illness. Tho deceased ee-tleman was a well-known figure in Lyttelton, and gained tho respect of all with whom ho camo in contact. Although ho was not connected with many societies, on account of failing health, ho always took a keen interest in matters concerning the port. Deceased was a son of the late T. B. Keele, chief clerk in tho Provincial Secretary s office, who arrived in Canterbury in the Charlotte Jane, ono of the first four ships. Mr Keelo was bora in 18G0 in Christchtirch and educated there. He entered the Post Office as a cadet in October, 1875, and was soon after transferred to Wellington. After four months' service he was appointed to Port Chalmers, where he remained for nine years as assistant telegraphist. For six years subsequently Mr Keele was postmaster at Clyde, and was transferred to Nasebv on Christmas Day, 18S9. From 1900 he was stationed at Queonstown until his transference to Lyttelton fivo years ago. In his early days he was a keen oarsman and an ardent volunteer. He served as a petty officer in tho Port Chalmers Navals, and as lieutenant in tho Nasoby Rifles. EKs love of rowing made him a keen advocate of an annual regatta on Lake Wakatipu, and through the zealous efforts or himself and another old rowing man, Mr G. G. Denniston, a regatta—the first since 187(3 —was held at Queenstown durinc the Easter of 1908. under the auspices of the Otago Rowing Association. Mr Keele was president and Mr Denn'pton secretary of the event, which is now an established attraction at the popular resort. He wns nl*o *- active member of the Lake Lodge of Ophir, O'lecnstown. Mr Keele wns married in 1881 to a daughter of the late Captain William Goldie, of Port ChnlmeTs. and leires a widow, two sons, and one daneh'ter.