Mr. Walter Fricker, the founder of the firm, was born in Somerset, England, in 1841, and received his education at Frome. Somerset. He learned his traue with his uncles, Messrs E. and J. Fricker, of Road, England, and after nine years of service with them, came to New Zealand in 1863, by the ship “Queen of the Mersey.” He established himself at Parnell, and subsequently moved to the Thames, where he carried on a successful business for seventeen years, but returned to Auckland fourteen years ago and founded present business. Mr. Fricker is a great pigeon fancier, and to him belongs the credit of initiating the pigeon service from the Great page 347 Barrier to Auckland. There being no telegraphic communication between the Barrier and the city, this pigeon service is invaluable. Birds also have been trained from Auckland to the Island, and the circuit of communication thus made complete. There is a large number of valuable birds in Mr. Fricker's loft, and he has secured prizes at various exhibitions, including the ten Guinea Cup at the 1897 Champion Show for the best working homer. Mr. Fricker is treasurer of Lodge Ponsonby, 708, S C., and was one of the founders of the Pride of Parnell Court, A.O.F., 1864. He is also a member of the city schools committee, and vice-president of the Auckland Poultry and Canary Association.