"Alfred Drew (1849-1925) Rugby pioneer and Musician"

Description: An article written by Clive Akers, about the contribution that Alfred Drew made to life in Palmerston North and wider New Zealand.

Alfred Drew arrived in Palmerston North in 1886 and set up his jewellery and watchmaking business in the Square. He possessed a passion for music and became a pioneer in establishing musical groups in town. He was best known as organist and choirmaster at All Saints’ Church, and conductor of the Orchestral Society. In his youth he was a keen and talented athlete, a skilled cricketer, and a footballer who became a co-founder of rugby in New Zealand.