Dunedin North MP dies
Extreme regret will be felt at the announcement of the death of Mr E. Kellett, member for Dunedin North in the present Parliament, which took place at his home at Ravensbourne shortly after 9 o’clock last night. Mr Kellett, who was 57 years of age, was born in the district which he subsequently represented in Parliament, and had lived at Ravensbourne for about 50 years. He was a carpenter by trade, and after having filled the position of president of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners,
he was appointed organising secretary, which post he occupied for about five years. He always took a keen interest in labour matters, and his advice was often sought, and always valued. On the constitution of the Otago and Southland Military Service Board, he was appointed a member. He subsequently served the public as a member of the Dunedin District Repatriation Board.
For two years he sat as a member of the Dunedin City Council, and also served for four years as a member of the Dunedin Drainage and Sewerage Board. He was a member of the West Harbour Borough Council for a number of years, and only retired when he entered Parliament in 1919. He stood for Dunedin North as an Independent candidate in opposition to the sitting member (Mr A. Walker), who was the official Labour representative, and was returned, the Reform Party declining to nominate a candidate for the seat in order to give Mr
Kellett a clear run. About 12 months ago he allied himself with Mr C.E. Statham MP in the formation of a new party, those gentlemen being the only members of Parliament associated with it. Towards the end of last session, however, a fusion took place between the Liberal Party and the New Party, and Messrs Statham and Kellett joined in the fusion. When the Military Service Board went out of existance Mr Kellett bought Mr Thompson’s business in Manor place, and for a time carried on business as a builder and contractor, but on his election to Parliament he disposed of this business.
Mr Kellett was twice married. His first wife — a daughter of the late Mr Blackie — who died about 10 years ago, left him with five children, of whom four are still living. About six years ago he married again, and his wife has survived him. By his second wife he had one child, now five years of age. He had been ailing for about
six months, and some 18 months since he was operated upon successfully for hernia.
As the result of his final illness another operation was decided upon some weeks ago, but it was found that the disease from which he was suffering was beyond the reach of the surgeon’s knife, and he expired as stated. The deceased gentleman was of a singularly genial nature, and will leave a very large circle of friends to mourn his untimely death.