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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Mr. Charles Atkin

Mr. Charles Atkin was born in 1831 at Louth, Lincolnshire, England, and learned the trade of a coach builder with his father, who had an extensive coach building business in that city. About the year 1862. Mr. Atkin left home, accompanied by his wife and young family, by the ship “Hanover,” which carried a number of what were known as the Albert-land settlers, and landed at Auckland. After a short sojourn at the Albertland settlement. Mr. Atkin removed to Auckland, where he started business in Cook Street in 1854, in conjunction with Mr. Cousins. This was the beginning of the well-known coach building
Hanna, photo.The Late Mr. C. Atkin.

Hanna, photo.
The Late Mr. C. Atkin.

page 425 business of Cousins and Atkin, now so ably carried on by Mr. Atkins' three sons. The business was conducted on the original premises until 1878, when, owing to the expansion of trade, the firm removed to Elliott Street. This second site is now covered by the present fine premises, which extend through to Albert Street, and cover half an acre of ground. Mr. Atkin was a most energetic man, and from his first arrival in Auckland he took a great interest in the development and welfare of the city. He was one of the first members of the celebrated Vigilance Committee, which was formed for the protection of the citizens at the time of the first influx of population on the opening of the Thames goldfields. He was also a member of the Town Board previous to the constitution of Auckland as a borough. In the year 1888 he was requisitioned to give his services again to the city, and was returned by a large majority for the North Ward, which he representea constantly until his death in 1895. In addition to his services in the City Council, Mr. Atkin was chairman of the Charitable Aid Board, and it was during his chairmanship that the Costley Home was built He was connected for years with the Agricultural Society, and took a prominent part in all the affairs of that body Mr. Atkin took a very keen interest in religious matters, and particularly in the Beresford Street congregation. He was Worthy Chief Templar of the Good Templars, when that society was flourishing in Auckland, and did good work in connection with the Union Street Sunday school. Although asked to stand for the Parliamentary representation of the city, Mr. Atkin was compelled to decline the honour owing to the other large claims on his time, and he retired in favour of a gentleman who held the same political views. During the latter part of his City Councillorship Mr. Atkin was Acting-Mayor. It wás while attending to his public duties, that he met with an accident, which resulted in his death on Easter Monday, 1895. His death was deeply regretted by a large circle of friends and by his fellow citizens; and his motto in life was to “do his duty to God, his family, and his country.”