Alfred Snell (1863 – 1936) Obituary
The death of Mr. A. Snell at the St. John of God Hospital at Subiaco on Sunday morning removed yet another of the old identities of Harvey. The late Mr. Snell, who had been in indifferent health for some months, had of recent weeks shown a decided improvement. Last week, however, he contracted a cold and on Thursday last his condition became serious and he was removed to Subiaco. Despite the best of medical and nursing attention he passed away on Sunday morning.
The late Mr. Snell was born in Devon (England) in 1863 and for a number of years was engaged by the Great Northern Railways at their Charring Cross Station. In 1889 he accepted an appointment with the Federated Malay Straits Railways and for five years was in charge of the traffic branch with headquarters at Singapore. On the expiration of his contract he returned to London, but left almost immediately for New Zealand, where for twelve months he engaged in farming pursuits. Rural life had always made a strong appeal to him and he revelled in the opportunity to struggle with the difficulties presented by a farming venture. In 1895, however, he accepted a position with the West Australian Government Railways and twelve months spent in the Chief Traffic Manager’s office in Perth, was followed by his appointment as the first District Traffic Superintendent of the South-West at Bunbury, a position he retained until his retirement in 1911, when ill health caused him to follow the advice of his medical adviser and forsake duties which required him to carry a heavy responsibility.
In 1906 he purchased a property opposite the railway station in Harvey and on his retirement he welcomed the opportunity to again return to his old love of the land. For some 16 years he conducted the property as an orchard and the “Devonia” orchard earned a name throughout the State for the quality of its products and for the straight forward and conscientious desire of its owner to please clients. In 1922 Mr. Snell interested himself in the produce business and conducted what is claimed to be the first wholesale fruit business in the State. His keen business acumen assisted him to make a success of this venture, which engaged his attention till the time of his death. The deceased took the keenest interest in the establishment of pastures and was responsible for the introduction of kikuyu grass to the Harvey district. The cultivation of flowers made a particularly strong appeal to the late Mr. Snell. He imported large quantities of gladioli corms from Holland and his display of this flower was the admiration of all privileged to view it. Of more recent years he had devoted particular attention to the cultivation of gerberas and the success which greeted his efforts in this connection was the result of painstaking experiments.
Although the late Mr. Snell shunned publicity in any form and for this reason refused to occupy public position, he was possessed of a most highly developed sense of public duty. He was a keen and practical supporter of all movements, which tended to advance the interests of the district. The old Citrus Society and of latter years the Agricultural Society found in him a keen supporter, whilst the local sub-branch of the R.S.L. are much indebted to the deceased for the interest he has always displayed in their organisation. At the annual reunions of the branch he was an honoured guest. The Historical Society found in him one to whom it could turn for much practical assistance and advice. He was ever keen that steps should be taken for the beautification of the park on railway property at the corner of Uduc and Hayward-street. In the selection of suitable trees and shrubs he lent material assistance.
His somewhat curt manner and retiring disposition served to overshadow a kindly heart and generous nature, which never failed to be touched by a worthy appeal. His many acts of charity were performed in an unostentatious manner, and profuse thanks were ever greeted with an embarrassment which served to still further illustrate the character of one whose loss will be keenly felt in very many quarters. His wife predeceased him six months ago and he leaves one daughter, Mrs. T. H. Pollard, of Bangkok, (Siam) and Mr. A. Snell, of Harvey. Another son was killed at the Great War.
The funeral took place on Tuesday morning leaving the mortuary of Wm. Brittain and Son at 10.30 a.m. The remains were interred in the Methodist portion of the Bunbury cemetery the Rev. Milton Maley officiating. Pall-bearers were: Messrs. S. Woolley, R. A. Johnston, E. C. Phillips, K. Gibsone, H. J. Palmer and R. O. Hayward. Some fifty residents of Harvey motored to Bunbury to attend the service. Floral tributes were received from: Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Breen, and family; Eric Davis and family; son Alf; Marjorie; Tom and Martha; Mr. and Mrs. John Hayward; Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Phillips; Grandchildren. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Wm. Brittain & Son, Bunbury.
(Harvey Murray Times, 27 March 1936.)
Caroline Amelia Snell (1859 – 1935) Obituary
A well-known resident of the district was removed when the death took place on Wednesday of last week of Mrs. Caroline Amelia Snell at the age of 76 years. The deceased was born in Sheffield and had been in this State for 39 years. Mrs. Snell had been ailing for some time and her demise was felt with regret both in Harvey and Bunbury districts, as she had latterly resided in Harvey, where she leaves a husband, one son and daughter.
The funeral took place in Bunbury on Thursday last, her remains being placed in the Methodist portion of the Bunbury cemetery, the Rev. Maley conducting the service at the graveside. Following were the pall bearers: J. Lowe, R. A. Johnstone, S. Woolley, G. Clayton, A. Smith, J. Haywood, D. Breen, Dr. A. Jacobs. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Wm. Brittain & Son.
(Harvey Murray Times, Friday 27 September 1935.)