PETCHELL, JOHN (1843-1929) was born near Laughton-en-le-Morthen, Yorkshire, and came to New Zealand with his parents in the Stately (1853). In 1862 he took part in the Tuapeka gold rush, and in 1869 bought land at Longwood, in the Riverton district, where he started in business as a sawmiller. He later became a storekeeper, and was elected to the Southland Provincial Council for Riverton (1869-70). He was a member of the Riverton borough council, and mayor from 1889 to 1892.

Cycl. NZ, iv; Riverton Record (p); Southland Times, 5 Nov 1929.

Reference: Volume 2, page 84

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