MR. RICHARD MARFELL

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 24, 28 July 1939, Page 16

MR. RICHARD MARFELL

(By Telegraph.) (Special to the "Evening Post.") BLENHEIM, July 26,

As the result of a seizure yesterdayafternoon while-walking along the footpath in Market Street the death occurred shortly afterwards of Mr. Richard Marfell, of Seddon, one of the best-known and most popular, members of the Marlborough farming community. 'He was in his seventy-sixth year.

The late Mr. Marfell's connection with Marlborough dates back to 1891, when he and Mrs. Marf ell, together with his brother, Alfred, who predeceased him some years ago, first came to Blenheim from the Manawatu district, where the two brothers had been engaged in: various contracting activities following their arrival from England. This work included various railway undertakings, particularly in. the Manawatu Gorge After their arrival in Marlborough they continued their work as contractors, being associated with the construction of the Dashwood Gutting, on the Blenheim-Seddon railway line, and - also with the . building of the Redwood Pass Road. In 1887 at Woodville Mr. Marfell married Miss Margaret Gammie, and their golden wedding was celebrated at Seddon two years ago. When the Starborough settlement was subdivided nearly 40 years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Marfell took lup an area of land which they named i "The Firs." Mr. Marfell farmed this property until about eight years ago, when' he retired from active life Mr. Marfell took a keen interest in local body affairs in the Seddon district, and at one time was a member of the old Awatere Road Board before the Awatere County Council was formed. He was the first, president of the Awa T tere Rugby Football Club, and he was closely associated with racing and trotting activities. He also took a close interest in the Starborough Horse Sports Club, and attended the majority of meets this year, including a gathering last Saturday. There is a family of nine, seven sons and two daughters. The sons are Messrs. W.J. Marfell. R. A. Marfell, G. Marfell, H. Marfell, C. F. Marfell. and H. R. Marfell, all of whom are farming at Seddon, and A. E. Marfell. who has'a farm at Flaxbourne: The daughters are Mesdames J. A. Smith and J. C. Buglet* (Seddon).