James Purnell

GEDCOM Note

James Purnell moved to Wanganui in 1875 and stayed until 1904 when he moved to Auckland. He was the Town Clerk and treasurer to Wanganui Corporation and also a Returning Officer, Rates Collector and Valuer. He was educated in London, came to New Zealand in 1856 on the Chatham to New Plymouth. In 1888 in Wanganui Major PURNELL, the winner of the rifle championship belt, was accorded a public welcome tonight at a battalion parade in Cook's Gardens. There was a full muster of volunteers and a large attendance of the general public. He was driven in a carriage containing also the Major, Mr James LAIRD, and the Hon Mr BALANCE M.H.R. He was also a member of the North Island Delegate Druids Wanganui Feb 17 1899.</line><line /><line>James is buried at Purewa Cemetery Auckland, in a Single Plot with a concrete surround and grey granite stone.