TRIBUTE TO MANLY MARFELL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 30, 5 June 1915, Page 6

TRIBUTE TO MANLY MARFELL.

"HE PLAYED THE CAME."

(Contributed.)

The deepest'sympathy of the whole district is again extended to the Martell family in-their sad hereayement, the second within six weeks, caused by-the death of Lance-Corporal Manly Marfell. who died from wounds received in action at the Dardanelles last week. Mr and Mrs Marfell and their family have responded magnificently to the numerous patriotic and relief funds with donations \and assistance, but nothing can exceed the noble action of their son Manly, who has cheerfully sacrificed his life in the prime of early manhood for his King and the Grand Old Flag that unfurls for:honor, justice, and freedom. The deceased was the fifth son of Mr and Mrs E. Marfell, and was born in New Plymouth twenty-four years ago. He commenced his school days at the Central School, and when his parents removed to their Toko Road property he attended the Toko School until the Baupuha School was opened, where he finally "finished his educational training. About three years ago he took up a block of land in the Whangampmona district, two, of his brothers, the late Trevor, who recently met his death under tragic circumstances, and Frank acquiring adjoining sections. Having had a lengthy and careful training on his father's farm, and being of an industrious nature, Manly showed «reat promise of developing into a splendid and worthy young New Zealand settler. As It footballer and athlete, he was one of the most active and hardiest forwards of the Toko Club's team las£ season. Two seasons ago he was an active .member in the Stratford Ist Junior team, and thought nothing of a twelve-mile ride into Stratford to catch the morning train when the team had to travel. | His last game before enlisting was with the Eastern. District's team against the Stratford Seniors a few days after the war. commenced, when lie played a very solid game in the. front row of the scrum. "When the Territorial scheme became law he joined the Stratford Mounted Force, and as a member of this section.he was amongst the first to offer his services when the call for volunteers was made, leaving for the camp of the Main Expeditionary Force at an hour's notice. Anxious to get into the firing line, he obtained permission to transfer to the infantry battalion in Egypt when he heard that the latter were to embark for the landing on the Turkish shores and which was so gallantly accomplished at a sacrifice of many of our brave lad's lives.

Lance-Corporal Manly Marfell, with many others, now rests in a far distant grave, but his sorrowing parents and his many friends and acquaintances will long retain and cherish the memory of one who played the game, mid died a true soldier and a man.