OBITUARY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 48, 31 May 1916, Page 6

OBITUARY.

PILCHER F. RALFE.

It is with deep regret we have to record the death of one of Stratford’s best-known and most highly-esteemed settlors, Mr P. F. Ralfe, who passed away at the residence of his son (Mr Charles Ralfe), at Raglan to-day. For many years the late Mr Ralfe was a well-known figure in Stratford, and took his full share of public duties. He was twice Mayor of the .Borough I and many years a Councillor (besides | serving on the Hospital Board as I Chairman, and the .Domain Board). He I was elected a member of the Stratford l Bqrough Council iu 1902. Pie was born in Sheerness, Kent, England, and was educated at King William College, IsK of Man, He afterwards followed a seafaring life for seven years, and was also engaged in farming in the Old Country for about five years. In 1851 he went to Australia, and in 1862 came to New Zealand and settled in Canterbury, where he carried on farming for some years. Mr Ralfe subsequently removed to Taranaki, and settled in Stratford in 1871. Later, he acquired 500 acres of land at Cardiff. Mr Ralfe was a member of the Xgaere Road Board, the Stratford County Council, and the New Plymouth Harbor Board, for a time secretary to the Stratford Bacon Curing Co., as well as a member of other local bodies. In 1866 he married a daughter of the late Mr Charles Bates, of Banks Peninsula, and has three sons and one daughter, Mrs O. M. Curtis, of this town. To her and all other members of the family deep sympathy will he extended. Known far and wide for his kindheartedness .and genial disposition, in no circle was he better known than in the fraternity of Freemasonry. He was a Charter Member of the Stratford Lodge, and was, when he left this town, the second oldest Past Master oi the Lodge, in which he had on two occasions occupied the chair. Wor. Bro, Ralfe was also a Past Grand officer of the G.L. of New Zealand, .and it is fitting that 'his interment should be a fully "Masonic funeral, as the Raglan Brethren have arranged in his' honor.