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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Taranaki, Hawke's Bay & Wellington Provincial Districts]

Old Colonists

Old Colonists.

Mr. G. S. Bridge, sometime Chairman of the Wanganui Education Board, and a member of many local bodies, was an old settler, and well known in the districts of Wanganui and South Taranaki. His son, Mr. T. A. Bridge, is chairman of the Waimate Road Board, and a member of the Hawera County Council.

Mr. Arthur Albert Fantham, sometime Manager of the Egmont Farmers' Union, not now in existence, was born in Buckinghamshire, England, in the year 1842. He was brought to New Zealand in the ship “Duke of Portland” by his parents in 1852. They settled in Canterbury, and he was educated at the Christchurch Boys' High School, and at the old Commercial School in that city. Mr. Fantham first entered into farm life close to Christchurch, where, until 1877, he possessed a property, on which he started his well-known pedigree herd of Shorthorn cattle, descendants of which are found all over New Zealand, and with which he was page 250 very successful at prize-taking in the principal Canterbury shows. He next took up a farm near Cambridge, Waikato, where he made a further name for himself as a cattle breeder. Early in 1882 he removed to Hawera, where he took up his residence. When the Egmont Farmers' Union was inaugurated, he was offered the position of manager and auctioneer, and was connected with that institution in that capacity for some years. Mr. Fantham devoted a considerable portion of his time to the public interest and was associated with several local bodies. Whilst in Canterbury he was for many years a member of the Spreydon Road Board and the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and in the Waikato he was on local road boards and cattle boards, where his expert knowledge was of great service. He was chairman of the Hawera Road Board before that body was merged into the Hawera County Council, and was a member of the Egmont Agricultural and Pastoral Society. He was a member of the Masonic Order for a great many years. Mr. Fantham married a daughter of the late Mr. John McWilliam, of Canterbury, and had six sons and five daughters. He died on the 16th of January, in the year 1901.

The Late Mr. A. A. Fantham.

The Late Mr. A. A. Fantham.

Mr. John Finlay, formerly a contractor and grain dealer at Hawera, was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, where he was educated in the Church of England school, and brought up on his father's farm, a property which has been in possession of the family for over 200 years. In 1871 Mr. Finlay came to New Zealand by the ship “Zealandia,” and landed at Lyttelton, whence he went to the Timaru district, where he farmed successfully for about twelve years, took an active part in local affairs, and was a contributor to the newspapers. In 1881 he sold his property, and took a trip to the Old Country. Before his departure he was entertained by the clubs for which he had acted as secretary, and presented with valuable tokens of their esteem. On his return to New Zealand, in 1882, he was engaged as agricultural correspondent of the Timaru Herald, and visited and reported on the principal farms in Otago, Southland, and Canterbury. In 1885, attracted by the richness of the land, he removed to Hawera, and started farming; but afterwards, wishing for a more active life, he sold his property and commenced business as a commission agent, grain and firewood dealer. The business became so large that it required the services of ten men, fifteen horses, and many drays, chaff-cutters, and threshing machines. Mr. Finlay bought grain all over the district, and supplied Waitara, New Plymouth, and Stratford with horse feed. He subsequently settled on a farm at Tokaora; but he still takes an active part in all public matters, has been deputy collector of agricultural statistics for fourteen years, and deputy-returning officer for the past five general elections. Mr. Finlay was at one time sole representative in Taranaki of the New Zealand Farmers' Bee and Poultry Journal, and was correspondent for the Egmont Settler, Patea County Press, Hawera Star, and occasionally the Auckland Weekly News. He was a member of the Hawera Borough Council for three years, and is a member of the Hawera Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and many other societies. Mr. Finlay is married, and has two daughters and one son.

Captain Thomas Good, one of the pioneer settlers of Taranaki, was born in the year 1823 at Aston Court, Worcestershire, England. He was educated partly in England and partly in France, and was brought up to country life. Subsequently, he came to New Zealand, and arrived in New Plymouth in the year 1845. He took up land in the Omata district, and, with other settlers, was driven into New Plymouth for shelter, at the time of the Maori disturbances. For some time he had charge of a company of friendly natives, but resigned the position on becoming captain of the No. 2 Company of Bush Rangers. With this company he served throughout the campaign without being wounded, and for his services he received the New Zealand war medal and 400 acres of land at Urenui. Captain Good then settled in Urenui, and took charge of the northern outpost for about five years. He subsequently settled at Oeo, where he took up a large block of land, with his homestead at Pihama, where he resided until the year 1904. when he removed to Hawera, and settled at Ramanui. Captain Good was a member of the Taranaki County Council for some time.

Captain T. Good.

Captain T. Good.

page 251

Mr. Matthew John Goodson came to New Zealand in the year 1852, and landed at New Plymouth, but made his way to the Wanganui district, where he took up land. Having come to New Zealand with considerable capital, and with shrewdness and capacity for hard work, he soon reaped profitable returns; and, in 1871, attracted by the rich lands of Hawera, he began to acquire the fine estate known as the “Waihi Downs.” For many years he carried on operations both in Hawera and Wanganui. As he was a man of fine physique it was nothing for him to ride from Hawera to Wanganui on horseback in one day, and, even during the most troublesome times with the natives, he often went up and down the coast, and on some occasions he carried the mails and large sums of money from New Plymouth to Wanganui. When native affairs reached their worst, he and other settlers were driven into Wanganui, where he lived for some time, and was later on, at Mayfield. About 1880 he built the homestead at “Waihi Downs,” where he resided with his family until his death in 1888, at the advanced age of eighty. Mr. Goodson left a widow, with a grown up family of three sons and five daughters, all permanent settlers in the district.

The Late Mr. M. J. Goodson.

The Late Mr. M. J. Goodson.

Mr. George Grant was born in Scotland in 1850, and brought up to farming pursuits. In 1871 he left for Canada, where he remained for six years, engaged in various pursuits, principally in connection with the railways. After returning to the Old Country he came to New Zealand in 1877, and landed at Wellington, but shortly afterwards went to Ashburton, Canterbury, where he remained about nine years, engaged in contracting and carrying. He next moved to Hawera, where he established a carrying business, was elected in 1886 to the Borough Council, and occupied a seat for six years. In 1894 he sold out his business, bought a hotel at Kakaramea; advantageously conducted it for eighteen months, when he sold out his interest, and bought a fine farm near Manaia, which he afterwards disposed of, and purchased the Egmont stables, which had excellent accommodation for 210 horses, with a number of loose boxes. His turnouts were the finest in the district, and comprised buggies, waggonettes, landaus, drays, etc. Tourists and the general public visiting Hawera could thoroughly rely on Mr. Grant for the style of conveyances, and the carefulness of his drivers. Mr. Grant was identified with all the principal local societies, the racing club, and the Hawera Agricultural and Pastoral Association, was a trustee of the Presbyterian church, and an Oddfellow of long standing, and was Master of the Masonic Lodge in 1886, besides being the leading spirit of the Caledonian Society. Mr. Grant, who was married, and had seven children, died about seven years ago.

The Late Mr. G. Grant.

The Late Mr. G. Grant.

Mr. John Hicks, who has been connected with the Hawera district since the year 1874, was born in New Plymouth, in April, 1853. He was brought up in the Wanganui district, learned farming, and afterwards took up 332 acres about four miles from Hawera, on the road to Patea. His property was then in a rough state, but has since been brought into good cultivation. In 1885 he leased his farm, and for seven years afterwards was farming on the Waimate Plains. He then sold out his interest, and settled in Hawera in 1898. Mr. Hicks was a member of the Hawera school committee for six years, has been a member of the Order of Oddfellows since 1887, and an elder of the Presbyterian church since 1899. In 1892 Mr. Hicks married a daughter of the late Mr. George Gibson, of Manaia.

Gungall, photo. Mr. J. Hicks.

Gungall, photo.
Mr. J. Hicks.

Mr. Lawrence Milmoe, sometime of Milmoe Falls, Tawhiti, near Hawera, was born in 1840, in Sligo, Ireland, of which town his father. Mr. Thaddeus Milmoe, was a well-known citizen. He was educated in Sligo, and joined the Royal Irish Constabulary, but retired on a pension after seven years' service on account of injuries received in the execution of his duty. On coming to New Zealand in 1864, Mr. Milmoe joined the survey staff of Major Charles Heaphy, chief surveyor, and shortly after was put in charge of the stores, a part of which consisted of 400 breech-loaders and 400 revolvers. He then removed to New Plymouth, joined the survey party at Patea under Messrs William Williams and Percy Smith, and remained on the West Coast survey until 1867. Mr. Milmoe bought a tract of land from the military settlers, but was in occupation only about one month when page 252
The Late Mr. L. Milmoe, photographed on the site of the redoubt he and three other colonial soldiers held against the Hau Haus till relieved by Major Von Tempsky.

The Late Mr. L. Milmoe, photographed on the site of the redoubt he and three other colonial soldiers held against the Hau Haus till relieved by Major Von Tempsky.

he was attacked by the King Country natives, by whom, however, his life was spared, through the intercession of a friendly word; it was only a month afterwards that Cahill, Symes, and Clarke were murdered by the natives at Waihi. On Mr. Milmoe's representations to Major Von Tempsky and Major Hunter, who were in charge of the troops at Waihi, a detachment of twenty-four men were sent, under Captain Ross, for the protection of the settlers. Shortly afterwards an attack was made on the camp by Titokowaru, and eighteen men out of the twenty-four were killed or wounded; and the body of Captain Ross, who was amongst the killed, was subjected to savage mutilation. Major Von Tempsky brought up reinforcements, and a severe engagement followed. For his bravery on this occasion Mr. Milmoe was recommended for the Victoria Cross, but owing to the regulations it could not be granted. Mr. Milmoe afterwards took part in several engagements with the natives, including those in Poverty Bay, and went with several expeditions against Te Kooti. On leaving the force in 1872 he returned to Hawera, and settled on his farm. Later on, he paid a visit to the Old Country, passing through India, Italy, and France, and returning to the colonies in 1896. Mr. Milmoe was well-known in Hawera, and held in the highest esteem by all classes, as his generosity was proverbial, especially in connection with the convent and hospital. In other respects Mr. Milmoe took very little active part in public affairs. He died some time ago.

Mr. James O'Reilly, of Hawera, was born in Cavan, Ireland, in the year 1846, and brought up to farming. He left for Australia in 1863, and a year later came to New Zealand, and spent some time on the Otago goldfields, and on the Wakamarina, in Marlborough, where he met with good success, and washed out 360 ounces of gold from a rich pocket in the Disputed Claim. Mr. O'Reilly remained on the field for about eighteen months, and then proceeded to Nelson, and Reilly's Gully, on the West Coast. He afterwards went to Okarito, but, owing to the illness of his mae, returned to Hokitika, and leased one of the finest of the local claims. Then he returned to Reilly's gully, and on going along the track passed a tent with four suspicious looking characters, who afterwards turned out to be the notorious Maungatapu murderers. On his way he was joined by Mr. Dobson, the surveyor, who was murdered the next day. Mr. O'Reilly advised Dobson not to proceed down the side of the river, but to cross over. This advice was disregarded, and Dobson met his fate; and a monument now marks the spot where his body was found. Shortly afterwards Mr. O'Reilly bought the Port Lyttelton Hotel, Hokitika, and changed its name to the “Cavan.” He was present at the trial of Sullivan, at Hokitika, for the murder of young Dobson. In 1867 he left Hokitika for Addison's Flat, and built the Cavan Hotel, where he remained for seven years, when he removed to Wanganui, where he remained for a considerable time. Finally, he settled in Hawera, where he opened a store and an accommodation house; and then built the Shamrock Hotel, which he conducted for fourteen years. Having amassed a fortune, Mr. O'Reilly retired from active life in 1895, but he still (1906) resides in Hawera.

Mr. Humphry George Pitcher, sometime secretary of the Hawera Gas Company, Limited, and a well-known land broker at Hawera,
The Late Mr. H. G. Pitcher.

The Late Mr. H. G. Pitcher.

page 253 was born at Ramsgate in Kent, England, in the year 1844. He was the son of Mr. Thomas Pitcher, professor of music, was educated at Danehill House, a boarding school in Margate, and apprenticed to the watchmaking trade in Dover. In 1864 he came to New Zealand by the ship “British Empire,” and spent some time in Lyttelton, Wellington, and Auckland, where he entered into partnership in a jewellery business with Mr Raven. Later on, he went to Hokitika, Ross, and Westport, and in 1879 started business as a watchmaker and jeweller in Hawera; but sold out in 1894 to Mr. R. W. Sargent. As a volunteer, Mr. Pitcher was a member of the first Waikato Regiment, the Opotiki Forest Rangers, and the first Westland and Totara Rifles; he was an Oddfellow, and fulfilled every of fice, from secretary to trustee, for many years. At Westport he was connected with the Fire Brigade, of which he was secretary for a number of years, and was, up to the time of his death, secretary to the Hawera Gas Company. He was for two years chairman and secretary of the Hawera school committee; for a short time he was a member of the Borough Council, and for many years a member of the Institute Committee. In 1882 he took an active part in the formation of the Egmont Sash and Door Factory, and was chairman of directors for two years. He was also a member of the Licensing Committee, vice-president of the Social Hall Society, churchwarden of St. Mary's church, and treasurer of the Hawera Masonic Lodge, of which he was three times elected Worshipful Master. Mr. Pitcher married the daughter of the late Mr. George Dale, of Hokitika, in 1872, and has one daughter. He died on the 21st of November, 1905.
Mr. Austin Joseph Whittaker was born at Smethwick, Birmingham, England, where he went to school, and was apprenticed to Messrs G. Newberry and Son, old established drapers, at Smethwick. After serving eighteen months he got his indentures cancelled, in consequence of the death of his father. Then he entered the service of Copestoke, Moore, Crampton and Company, one of the largest wholesale drapery businesses in England, and received charge of the entering department. He remained in the firm's employment until his departure for New Zealand in 1874, and, on leaving, received a flattering testimonial. Mr. Whittaker arrived in Wellington by the ship “Soukar.” On the voyage out he was appointed schoolmaster, and many of his shipboard pupils have since attained to prominent positions in the colony. On his arrival in Wellington, he entered the employment of Mr. J. Smith, of Te Aro House, and was with him about a year, in charge of the fancy department. After that he took charge of a business at Napier, belonging to Messrs Newton, Irvine and Co., but after six months he returned to Wellington to join the business of Mr. Joseph Paul, late of Wanganui; but six months later he re-entered the employment of Mr. James Smith, with whom he remained until 1878. Then he started a general store at Hawera. On the natives becoming troublesome, the settlers decided to form a volunteer corps, and on one memorable Sunday 250 volunteers were sworn in by Captain Wilson, and called the No. 1 and 2 Companies of Hawera Volunteers, No. 1 being commanded by Captain Livingstone and Lieutenants McLean and Watt. The men were called out several times a day, as the natives continually came into town, seizing everything they could lay their hands on. Mr. Whittaker has seen thirty bullock drays, with families and belongings, coming from the country into town for protection. Business was at a complete standstill. The Government was then offering a reward of £1000 for the capture of the notorious Titokowaru. Te Whiti sent 2000 natives to march round Hawera a number of times, informing them that the walls would fall and kill all the inhabitants, as they had done in ancient Jericho. Things, however, settled down in 1881, after Mr. Bryce's celebrated march on Parihaka. But during the troubles Mr. Whittaker had been a heavy loser, and received employment on the railway between New Plymouth and Waitara, where he remained until he received an appointment from Messrs Webster and McKellar, and Messrs Webster Brothers, as traveller. He severed his connection with those firms in 1882, and, in conjunction with Mr. Capel, started a drapery business in Waitara. This was carried on for some years, and then Mr. Whittaker sold his interest to his partner, and returned to Hawera, where he joined Mr. F. McGuire in the business known as the Hawera and West Coast Drapery
Mr. Whittaker's Residence.

Mr. Whittaker's Residence.

page 254 Company, which proved a great success, and in 1892 Mr. Whittaker sold his interest to Mr. Robert Foster. He then travelled all over New Zealand, buying stocks and holding sales; and, having accumulated a considerable sum, he then bought out Mr. Foster, who had previously succeeded him in the Hawera and West Coast Drapery Company. Mr. Whittaker was a member of the first Town Board, and helped to form the first Hawera Choral Society; and he was a member of the Order of Foresters for many years. In 1879 Mr. Whittaker married Miss Guerin, daughter of one of the oldest settlers of Taranaki, and has two sons and six daughters.

Mr. James S. Laidlaw, Dairy Factory Manager, Normanby, is a native of Southland, where he was born in 1865, and received his education. His knowledge of dairying was gained at the Woodland and Edendale factories, and he was ten years at Edendale. He has been for many years similarly employed in Taranaki. Whilst he was in the South Island, Mr. Laidlaw took considerable interest in public affairs, and was connected with many local bodies.