Macfarlane was on the Christchurch City Council (1927–1929, 1936–1941, 1947–1959, and 1961–1981), and was Mayor of Christchurch twice, from 1938 to 1941 and from 1950 to 1958.
Macfarlane was a member of the Christchurch City Council (1927–1929, 1936–1941, 1947–1959, and 1961–1981), and served as Mayor of Christchurch twice, from 1938 to 1941 and from 1950 to 1958.