MR JOHN C. PUSCHEL
Mr John C. Puschel, who died recently, was one of the original members of the Christchurch Liedertafel. He sang in the first concert in 1885, and also in the last concert given a few days before his death. His voice was trained in Copenhagen, where he sang in opera, and later in oratorio. A good and reliable reader with a voice rare in its sweetness, range, and power, he was a great acquisition to Christchurch musical circles, and his modesty and willingness to help made him exceedingly valuable. During his first year in Christchurch he sang the tenor solos in the "Bohemian Girl." In the North Island and in the South he repeatedly gave help in heavy solo work. It was in oratorio that he excelled. Even when living at Cheviot he was frequently called upon to sing the tenor solos in those great works performed at Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington, and at Sydney and Brisbane. During visits to Australia the musical societies in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne appreciated his rare gifts and generous help, and the Sydney Liedertafel did him the honour of making him a life member. He was also a member of many other musical societies in Christchurch, including the Musical Society, the Choral Society, and the Motett Society. Shortly after his arrival in New Zealand he started a fellmongery at Ferry road, and later at Fernside. Subsequently he became a wool-buyer carrying on wool-scouring and tannery works at Avonside. He also established a meat-preserving factory near the River Styx, this venture being in operation for some time. His first farming venture was at Ashburton Forks. This he carried on in conjunction with his wool works at Avonside. In 1894 he took up a block of land at Cheviot, and this he set himself with his characteristic quiet vigour and thoroughness to improve. Athletics had a fascination for him as a young man, and he won medals for high jumping while in Denmark. Shooting was also one his hobbies, and that he excelled in this is shown by his being presented with the Volunteers Cup at Copenhagen. This hobby he kept up on his arrival in New Zealand, being after his arrival in New Zealand, being an active member of the Cheviot Rifle Club, and at one time holding the office of President of the club. While at Cheviot he married Miss Sybil Hughes, daughter of the late Mr F. W. Hughes. Later he moved to Riccarton, where his widow and three daughters still reside. One of his daughters is Mrs G. Witty of Wellington. -Press, 7/1/1928.
LIEDERTAFEL “AT HOME” IS HELD. (abridged)
Liedertafel was very well attended last evening at the Choral Hall. It is, as a rule, only at these annual "At Homes” that the opportunity is given ladies of hearing the male voice society sing, as the other performances are always smoke concerts (not that that should be any drawback nowadays to the shingled sex). The Liedertafel is now distinctly “getting on” in years, for it was in 1885 when it began its career. Last evening the mournful part-song of Sullivan, "The Long Day Closes,” was sung at the beginning of the programme in memory of the late John C. Puschel, whose association with the choir went back to the early days. The audience stood in respect during its singing. -Star, 12/4/1928.
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