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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Matthews, Frederick William

Matthews, Frederick William. Mill Owner and Timber Merchant, Tatarariki, near Dargaville. Mr. Matthews was born in Hong Kong, in 1845, was a son of the late Mr. E. J. Matthews, formerly of the Royal Engineers Department, and came to Auckland with his parents in 1848. His father superintended the erection of the Albert Barracks and wall, the present Government House, and many other prominent buildings. He also superintended the formation of the pension settlements at Panmure, Howick, and Onehunga, and also the main sewer in Queen Street. Mr. Frederick W. Matthews was educated at the Auckland Academy under Mr. J. Gorrie. In 1858 he entered the service of Mr. W. Morrin, with whom he remained for ten years. He then accepted an engagement with Messrs. Brown, Campbell and Co., and in 1878 was given charge of their Kopuru sawmills and business in Northern Wairoa, retaining the position until 1888; on leaving he received a presentation from the employees of the firm. His next position was as manager of Messrs. Brown, Campbell and Co.'s Mangawhare business, where he remained until 1893, when he left them to take over his present business, which had been established in 1891. Mr. Matthews was chairman of the Hobson County Council for seven years, during which time he interested himself strongly in favour of the movement for separate counties for Otamatea and Hobson. During his term of office the roads between Dargaville and Tatarariki and other main roads were made. He has been a local preacher in the Wesleyan Church since 1878 and from 1878 until 1888 was superintendent of the Sunday School and organist for the Anglican and Wesleyan choirs. Mr. Matthews was the first to bore artesian wells in the district and obtain a good supply of water. There are three bores on his property, with a flow of 3000 gallons per day. His example has been followed by other settlers. Mr. Matthews is married to a daughter of Mr. Alexander Black, builder, of Auckland, and has two daughters and five sons.