Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12024, 19 April 1932, Page 1
DEATH NOTICE.

CORLETT.—On the 18th April, 1932, at his residence, Ballance, Alfred, the beloved husband of Frances Harpen Collett, aged 84 years.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12024, 19 April 1932, Page 1
FUNERAL NOTICE.

THE friends of the late Alfred Corlett are respectfully informed that his funeral will leave the Ballance Hall on Wednesday, 20th April, 1932, at 1 o'clock for the Ballance Cemetery. (Service at 12.45 p.m.). C. M BURT, Funeral Furnisher. 'Phone 106.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12027, 22 April 1932, Page 5
AN EARLY PIONEER
THE LATE MR. A. CORBETT.
(From Our Own Correspondent).
The sudden passing, on Monday last, of Mr A. Corlett, a very highly respected resident of Ballance, came as a distinct shock to the district. The late Mr Corlett, who had attained the ripe age of 84, had recently returned from a holiday spent with a. daughter, Mrs T. Youle, Kiwitea, and was in excellent spirits. On Monday morning, after breakfast, as he was accustomed to do, he took the cows about a mile from his homestead to graze on some new grass. About an hour later a son, Mr Claude Corlett, took a sledge and horses back to the paddock and discovered his father apparently dead. With the assistance of a neighbour, the body was removed to the deceased's home and Dr. Dawson was summoned. The latter could only pronounce life extinct, heart failure being the cause. The sudden end came as a great shock to the family.
The deceased gentleman, who was born in Cheshire, England, was the son of the late Mr and Mrs Stephen Corlett, Isle of Man. While still an infant he came to New Zealand with his parents and elder brothers in 1850, on the Sir George Seymour, one of the first four ships to bring pioneers to North Canterbury, the trip taking nine months. Settling in Riccarton, this family were engaged in sheep farming for a great number of years.
The deceased gentleman was on of the first settles to introduce the famous English Leicester breed of sheep into North Canterbury, importing them from England. After many years farming there, Air Corlett removed to the North Island, settling in Newman, and later living at Takapau. For the past 14 years he had been farming in Ballance. Of noble and upright character, he possessed a kind and generous disposition and was very devoted to his family.

Three y-ears ago, Mr Corlett underwent a severe operation, but being of a strong and vigorous constitution, he made a rapid recovery, and was soon engaged about his farm again. He was never so happy as when employed on the property and he performed a considerable amount of work for a man of his age. He possessed a wonderful memory and delighted to recall his experiences of the early days.

The deceased is survived by a widow and a family of six daughters, Mrs T. Youle (Kiwitea), Mrs G. Twentyman (Takapau), Mrs T. Schroder (Ballance), Mrs A. Clyde (Newman). Misses Pauline and Greta (Ballance), and four sons, Charles (Vancouver), Stephen (Shannon), Claude (Ballance) and Ernest (Foxton). In addition there are 23 grand-children. Two sons, Alfred and Franklin, were killed in action at Chunak Bair, Gallipioli, on August 8th, 1915.

The sympathy of the district is extended to the relatives in their sad bereavement.

The interment took place at the Ballance cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, the funeral being largely attended. The impressive services held at the Ballance Hall and the graveside were conducted by Rev. G. V. Gerard (St. Peter's Anglican). There were a number of beautiful floral tributes. The pall-bearers were Stephen, Claude, Ernest (sons), T. Youle, G. Twenty-man and A. Gyde (sons-in-law).
Contributor: Allan Pope (50088905)