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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Mr. David Nolan

Mr. David Nolan, Old Colonist, and still associated in the public mind with the well-known firm of Hunter and Nolan, auctioneers, stock and station agents, Durham Street West, Auckland, was born in 1828 in Londonderry, Ireland, and is the eldest son of the late Mr. Robert Howal Nolan, C.E. He was educated at Foyle College, Londonderry, and afterwards went to sea as a midshipman with the celebrated firm of Messrs Green and Sons, the owners of the famous Blackwall line. After remaining in that service for several years, during which he attained the rank of second officer, Mr. Nolan decided to migrate to Australia, and arrived in Melbourne by the ship “Duke of Portland” (Captain Cubitt), in 1851. He did not remain long in Victoria, but went to New South Wales, where he was engaged in pastoral pursuits until he left for Auckland in 1866, by the barque “Novelty.” During his long connection with the Auckland provincial district Mr. Nolan has taken a keen interest in promoting its agricultural and pastoral growth. He was the first to introduce the Ayrshire breed of cattle into the district, and he has been a most successful prizetaker at the annual shows held throughout the province of Auckland. The name of the firm with which he was so long associated was justly celebrated throughout the Colony, and the founder, the late Mr. William Hunter, was one of the pioneer settlers of Auckland. He established the business in 1860, in association with Mr. Cheeseman, who afterwards gave place to Mr. Styak. Later on Mr. Nolan joined Mr. Hunter, after whose death he carried on the business with the assistance of Mr. Henry Octavius Nolan, who acted as auctioneer. The firm eventually sold its business to the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Ltd., which retained the services of Mr. H. O. Nolan, as auctioneer. Messrs Hunter and Nolan acted as auctioneers for the late New Zealand Stud Company and Mr. Thomas Morrin at their annual sales of blood stock, which obtained such widespread fame. The firm's auctioneer at these annual sales was the late Mr. James Philson, who was considered unequalled in the Southern Hemisphere as a seller of thoroughbred horseflesh.