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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Mr. Frederick Battley

Mr. Frederick Battley, J.P., Old Colonist, and sometime General Manager for New Zealand of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company, Ltd., was born in Suffolk, England, in 1843, and is the eldest son of Mr. F. Battly. He was educated at the Henley-on-Thames Grammar School, and afterwards learnt the trade of a printer in London. In consequence of illhealth he left England for Auckland in June, 1860, by the ship “Caduceus” (Captain John Cass), and arrived in October of the same year. On his arrival he joined the staff of Messrs Williamson and Wilson, proprietors of the “New Zealander,” and remained in that office for a year, when he entered the service of the Bank of New Zealand, which had started in October, 1861. He gradually rose to the position of chief accountant in the general manager's office, and in May, 1878, he Accepted the New Zealand secretaryship of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company. Subsequently he became the company's Inspector, and in 1891 he was appointed general manager, but resigned the position in 1895 in consoquence of failing health. On leaving the Bank of New Zealand, Mr. Battley was presented by the staff with a handsomely illuminated address, and Mrs. Battley with a gold watch and chain and other presents. Mr. Battley has always taken an active interest in religious and philanthropic work in connection with the Auckland Baptist Church (late Weilesley Street), but now known as “The Tabernacle,” the Young Men's Christian Association, the Auckland Sunday School Union, Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society, the Sailors' Rest, and other kindred institutions. He was superintendent of the Baptist Sunday school for twenty-five years, and has been an officer of the church since June, 1868. Mr. Battley has filled every office in connection with the Young Men's Christian Association, and is now its vice-president, and also president of the Auckland Sunday School Union; in fact, his life has been devoted to Sunday school labours, and the social, moral and spiritual welfare of young men. He possesses several beautifully illustrated testimonials, which testify to the esteem of those for whom he has laboured. Mr. Battley was ever ably assisted by his wife, daughter of an early and respected colonist, who arrived in New Zealand in 1852; but Mrs. Battly was unfortunately killed in a railway accident on the 23rd of December, 1897. For ten years Mr. Battley was a volunteer, and belonged to the old Rutland No. 2 Company. He became lieutenant, and held the rank for four years. Owing to his connection with financial institutions, he has never taken part in political or municipal affairs. Mr. Battley is a director of the New Zealand Accident Company, and is associated with various other commercial enterprises.

Hanna, photo. Mr. F. Battley.

Hanna, photo.
Mr. F. Battley.