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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Mr. Charles Burrell Stone

Mr. Charles Burrell Stone occupies a unique position in Auckland, and may be regarded as a living human epitome of its history. He was the first white male child born in the city, and was born on the 27th of March, 1841. His father was Captain James Stone, whose office he entered after being educated at the Auckland Wesley College. At the time of the gold fever, in 1852, the family left for Australia in the first steamer built in Auckland, the “Governor Wynyard,” which was commanded by Captain Harris. Three years later they returned to Auckland, and Mr. C. B. Stone entered into business with his father as a general merchant. In 1836 he became a partner in the firm, which then assumed the title of C. J. Stone and Son. This business grew to large proportions, and was subsequently carried on under the style of Stone Bros. Thirteen vessels were employed, and it was the largest shipping business in Auckland. Mr. Stone sold out of the firm in 1893, and has since carried on business as a mining and land agent in Queen Street, under the style of C. B. Stone and Co. Mr. Stone has taken a leading and prominent part in local politics, and has never lost an election. As a member of the Auckland Harbour Board he served twelve years, during which he occupied the position of chairman for two terms; the Harbour Board's building were erected on his casting vote, and the Calliope Dock was constructed during his term of office. Mr. Stone has also been a member of the Mount Albert Road Board, He has been a trustee of the Auckland Savings Bank for eighteen years, and is this year (1901) its vice-president, the Governor being the president; Mr. Stone is also a director of the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company, of the Northern Boot Company, of several goldmining companies, and of the Thames Gas Company, of which he was chairman for over fifteen years. During the exciting period of
Mr. C. B. Stone. (First white male child born in Auckland)

Mr. C. B. Stone. (First white male child born in Auckland)

page 440 the Maori war, in 1863 and 1864, Mr. Stone was on active service, and after the rebellion was quelled he took considerable interest in rifle shooting, and was for many years a vice-president of the Auckland Rifle Association. As a yachtsman no one is more popular or highly esteemed, and to this healthy pastime Mr. Stone has devoted most of his leisure time since boyhood. He was for two seasons commodore of the Auckland Yacht Club, and considerable sympathy was felt in the season of 1900, when Mr. Stone's yacht was unfortunately wrecked off Coromandel. In church matters he has taken a very active part, and as a Freemason he is a member of the Royal Arch Chapter. Mr. Stone married a daughter of Mr. John Douglas, of the Thames, in 1863, by whom he had a family of four children. In 1874 Mrs Stone died, and on the 1st of March, 1876, Mr. Stone married a daughter of Mr. Page, of Auckland. One daughter has been born of this marriage. All the children but two are married, and there are eleven grandchildren.