Obituary

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 373, 6 June 1928, Page 15

Obituary

MR. EDWIN HALL After being identified with agricultural movements and organisations for nearly half a century Mr. Edwin Hall died at Onehunga yesterday at the age of 73. Mr. Hall concerned himself a great deal with the application of science to the land and to improving conditions for New Zealand farmers. As a member of the Board of Agriculture during the later part of his life he was a force in assisting primary agriculture and helping the farmer. He was an early advocate of agricultural education.

Born at Louth, Lincolnshire, Mr. Hall arrived in New Zealand in 1876 and commenced farming near Cambridge. After three years he returned to England, remaining there until 1889 when he again came to New Zealand. He commenced farming in Mangere in 1891.

Mr. Hall was general secretary to the New Zealand Farmers’ Union for some time and he was secretary at the first Dominion conference in 1902. He was a member of the New Zealand Council of Agriculture, the Cost of Living Commission of 1911 and the Board of Agriculture from its inception. He was also a member of the Prisons Board for ten years and was president of the Onehunga public library and chairman of th school committee. He was the author of many authoritative papers on herd-testing, breeding, seed improvement and other subjects. Mr. Hall is survived by his wife.

At last evening’s meeting of the Onehunga Borough Council, the Mayor, Mr. W. C. Coldicutt, said that Mr. Hall had done good work for the borough, especially in connection with the borough’s Carnegie library. It was decided to place a wreath on the grave. Mr. "W. J. Jordan, M.P., who was present, made appreciative reference to Mr. Hall’s service on the Prison Board.