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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Mr. Allan O'Neill

Mr. Allan O'Neill, formerly a Member of the Auckland Provincial Council, and sometime of O'Neill's Point, Devonport, was born in Ireland, and was a direct descendant of the historical family of O'Neill. In the early forties he arrived in Taranaki, and after remaining there for a short time, travelled overland to Auckland. The trip occupied about six weeks, and in those days it was a difficult and dangerous undertaking, as there were neither roads nor tracks, and deep and rapid rivers had to be swum or forded, and hostile natives encountered by the way. Shortly after arriving in Auckland Mr. O'Neill, who was a surveyor by profession, obtained an appointment to survey the North Shore on behalf of the Government. This work was carried out most satisfactorily, and he also surveyed the district round Takapuna. He was appointed city surveyor, and laid out a number of Auckland streets. While he held that office he was sent by the Government to make a map of the district between Auckland and the Bay of Islands. The undertaking was an eventful one, for Mr. O'Neill was the first white man to make the journey, and, in walking overland, he had to zig-zag to the coast to get an outline. Mr. O'Neill was elected a member of the Auckland Provincial Council, and held the position of Provincial Secretary for three years. He was also a member of the Church Synod, chairman of the Takapuna Road Board,
Hanna, photo.The Late Mr. A. O'Neill.

Hanna, photo.The Late Mr. A. O'Neill.

page 437 and chairman of the Lake school committee. Mr. O'Neill, with his brother, acquired the property on the Peninsula which bears the family name. After serving the country of his adoption with great ability, Mr. O'Neill died in 1886, leaving a family of three sons and four daughters. The eldest son is chairman of the Waitemata County Council, and the second, Mr. Allan Charles O'Neill, resides at the family residence at O'Neill's Point, Devonport.