CLYDE RAY GRIFFIN was the youngest child of  Arthur and Helena Griffin and was born  21st May 1913 in Kaponga, Taranaki. He died 30 Dec 1991 in Moss Vale, N. S. W., Australia. He married in 1934 in Burwood, NSW, Australia JEAN ALEXANDRIA BEASLEY (b: 23 Jul 1914; d: 4 JUL 1988 in Bowral NSW where both she and Clyde are buried).

July 1923, at Hawera Clyde is a member of the local Boys and Girls Agricultural Club which competed in the Donminios Winter Show and his exhibit - 4 roots among them mongolds and carrots, gained a 3rd place. Clyde like other younger members of Helena's children, was educated at the Seventh Day Adventist College.

On the 29th of Jan. 1930, The Education Board selected Clyde R Griffin of Okaiawa,among 53 applications for a limited number of just 10 vacancies, for appointment as a probationer. He completed his teacher training but it is not known if he taught.

Clyde  went to Australia after he was groomsman for his brother Clarrie in August 1932 and married Jean. They farmed at Meryla Valley NSW. where he operated a sawmill and here Clyde built his home and they brought up their family. Access was by the convict-built Meryla Road which was once the main thoroughfare between Kangoroo Valley and Moss Vale.

 

 

The above family photo was taken in 1952 in front of the Griffin Farm House. Left to right - Alexander, Joan, Valma, Clyde, Dorren, Jean, Dorothy  and Clarence

Fire destroyed their homestead and today, an interesting information panel erected at the site, pays tribute to this pioneering family and today, visitors to the MERELY PASS and the  GRIFFINS FIRE TRAIL track (this is for experienced bush walkers  - 16 km encompassing a 230m ascent.)

Click here:   and  (look for No 16)