Mr. Frederick Henry Gradwell

Taupo Times, Volume IV, Issue 190, 16 September 1955, Page 6

Mr. Frederick Henry Gradwell

The death of Mf Frederick Henry Gradwell, following a long illness, occurred on Tuesday morning last, September 13, at the home of his son, Mr G. W. Gradwell, Chesham Avenue, Waipahihi. Mr Gradwell was one of the older residents of Taupo, where he was well known and respected by a wide circle of friends. He is survived by his wife and three sons, Messrs F. N. L. Gradwell, B. W. Gradwell and E. F. Gradwell, who all reside in Taupo. Mr Gradwell came to Taupo froin Hawkes Bay some 45 years ago, and for a number of years he was prominent as a builder, earning a widespread reputation as a skilled craftsman. Later Mr and Mrs Gradwell established the Bungalow Private Hotel,* in Tongariro Street, which under their management became a wellknown accommodation centre for tourist and holiday visitors. While still engaged in this business Mr Gradwell established a general store, later disposing of The Bungalow and establishing the business now owned by Messrs S. Kilford and CoIn later years Mr Gradwell entered the land agency business in Taupo, and did much to encourage the growth of settlement at the southern boundary of Taupo by subdividing the area now well-known as the Gradwell Estate. Though in recent years Mr Gradwell, as a result of ill health, did not take a prominent part in public affairs, he was in earlier years connected with various local organisations. He was one of the foundation members of the Taupo Road Board and had been a Justice of the Peace for znany years.