Mayor 1917 - 1918, 1921 - 1922
Alfred Purkiss, the former manager of the Armidale Chronicle, left Armidale with his wife and Miss Gwen Purkiss in November 1929. Seventy citizens farewelled him at a function held on Wednesday 13 November presided over by the Mayor, Ald. W.H. Watson. He informed the gathering that he was leaving Armidale for a better climate in Brisbane because of his wife's health. He was also taking a position of secretary to the McCormack Building and Construction Company with a seat on the Board.
At the function he was presented with a wallet of notes and an illustrated address executed by the Sisters of Mercy at the Armidale orphanage. Tributes were paid to his work in many public bodies. He was involved in the New State Movement,president of the Country Party, president of the Armidale and New England Jockey Club and an executive member of the Literary Institute, Armidale Bowling and Golf Clubs, Chamber of Commerce and the Parents and Citizen's Association. Because of his interest in promoting the district, he became the unofficial tourist manager during his periods as mayor.