taken from NZETC the article was written about 1907
Mr. Fred Craven, Secretary of the Dannevirke Brass Band, joined the band as a member in the year 1896, and was appointed secretary two years pater.

He was born on the 8th of July, 1876, at Southport, Lancashire, England, came to New Zealand with his parents at an early age, and was educated at Ashhurst.
He was afterwards brought up to the building trade, and served an apprenticeship in his father's firm ? Messrs RIMMER and CRAVEN builders and contractors.

Mr. Craven subsequently removed to Dannevirke, where he worked at his trade for six years with Mr. J. W. DULEY, then started on his own account, and has since conducted a successful business as a builder and contractor. He gives constant employment to seven persons, and has carried out various large contracts, including the crection of Benzie's Hotel, the ?Advocate? Office, Ruahine Club, several other large business premises, various private residences, and additions to the Club Hotel.

Mr. Craven was one of the promoters and is a member of the Dannevirke Cycling Club, a member of the Dannevirke Jockey Club, and of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, and is Junior Deacon in the local lodge of Freemasons.

He married Miss Mary AMUNDSEN, (1876-1944) a daughter of one of the pioneers of Dannevirke, in 1899, and has two daughters and one son

- their children were:

1900 - 1952 Ella Alice Craven
- Ella married Clarence Raymond WILLIAMS in 1924

1903 - 1965 Laura Craven
- Laura did not marry
- she died on 26 May 1965 aged 61
- she had been living in Havelock North
- she is buried Plot 54, Block LD at Mangatera Cemetery Dannevirke

1906 - 1976 Herbert Eric Craven
- nothing known

Mary Craven died on 9 October 1944 aged 68
- she is buried Plot 33, Block Z at Magatera Cemetery Dannevirke
Fred Craven died 29 October 1964 aged 88
- he is buried with Mary