Adam Duncan Macfarlane, (1872-21/10/1922). "strenuous work"

OBITUARY

MR A. D. A. MACFARLANE 

LOSS TO THE FOREST SERVICE. 

The New Zealand forest service has suffered a severe loss by the death of Mr Adam D. A. Macfarlane, chief clerk of the department, who passed away at his home in Nelson on Saturday at the comparatively early age of 50 years, following an operation for an abscess on the brain. About six weeks ago Mr Macfarlane was about to catch a tram, but in turning to step into the road knocked his head against a post, rendering him unconscious for some time. He received medical attention, but for some days suffered from the effects of the accident, his head being the worst. He would not rest, however, saying he was too busy. About ten days ago he was taken seriously ill, and on the Saturday his wife was sent for from Nelson, and the patient taken home. For a day or two he appeared to make some progress, but by the end of the week it was found necessary to operate, this being successfully performed. The shock, however, was too great, and he passed away at 4.30 p.m. the same day. The funeral took place at Nelson on Monday afternoon, the Forest Service being represented by Mr T. Douglas Nelson, who placed wreaths on the grave from the department and from the Director of Forestry, Mr A. Macintosh Ellis. Members from the head office would have attended the funeral, but the Nelson boat on Saturday had left when the news was received, and it was impossible to find a boat going across on Sunday or Monday which would have been in time. 

The late Mr A. D. A. Macfarlane was born in Hokitika in 1872, and was a son of the late Mr Duncan Macfarlane/ at one time Stipendiary Magistrate of Westland. He was educated at Westland, and on leaving school was appointed as cadet in the Department of Lands and Survey in Hokitika. Later he was transferred to the office of Forest Service Department in Nelson, and for some years did valuable work for the department and the community generally. In 1917 he was transferred to the Public Trust Department, where he gave good service in the organisation of the branch office in Palmerston North. When the State Forest Department was created in 1920 Mr Macfarlane was appointed chief clerk and did strenuous work, assisting in the inauguration of this service up to the time of his illness, a little over a week ago. The late Mr Macfarlane was a genial officer of the civil service, in which he was associated for 38 years and made many friends throughout the Dominion. In his younger days he was known ns a good sport and took great interest in football and musical circles. He leaves a widow and one small daughter, who will have the warmest sympathy of a wide circle of sincere friends.

Wakapuaka cemetery, Nelson.