Notable Graves
William FANCOURT
William Fancourt was born in Lower Hutt Wellington in 1879 and came from a long line of Anglican clergy. William took his BA and MA degrees at Cambridge University in England after schooling at Whanganui Collegiate.
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Her served the Church in the United Kingdom before reappearing in New Zealand in 1907 as Assistant Curate at St Thomas’ Church in Wellington. He was the first Dean of St Mary’s pro-cathedral in Auckland. His Father was the Reverend Thomas Fancourt who was the Archdeacon of Wellington. Fancourt Street in Meadowbank which borders Purewa Cemetery was named after him.
FANCOURT, William
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William CROWTHER
William Crowther was born in England in 1834 and as a youth was apprenticed as an iron worker. At the time of the Crimean War he and several other apprentices were told by their employer to go to Russia to fit some machinery, but afraid to go, they sailed for the Victorian gold fields in Australia. After working in various occupations in Melbourne, William Crowther arrived in Otago attracted by gold mining prospects, but he engaged in carrying stores to the goldfields.
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He came to Auckland with shipments of horses from Otago, and after two consignments decided to start a livery stable business in the city. After difficulties bringing vehicles from Melbourne which were suitable for moving horses on Auckland’s early roads, he acquired two “Albert” cars, one of which he drove from Parnell to town. He also started an Auckland-Remuera bus service. Crowther developed a successful horse stables business in Parnell and Wellesley Street East before retiring and building a 14-room home in Remuera.
He took a keen interest in public affairs being the Chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board in 1893, and for nearly 20 years, a member of the Auckland City Council – and Mayor for two years. He was elected to the House of Representatives three times and served on the Auckland College and Grammar School Board and the University College Council.
He took a keen interest in public affairs being the Chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board in 1893, and for nearly 20 years, a member of the Auckland City Council – and Mayor for two years. He was elected to the House of Representatives three times and served on the Auckland College and Grammar School Board and the University College Council.
CROWTHER, William
66 years
Died 15 Mar 1900
Thomson Wilson LEYS
Thomson Wilson Leys was born in England in 1850 and arrived with his family in New Zealand in 1863. Apprenticed as a compositor to learn the printing trade on the Daily Southern Cross newspaper, he later transferred to the reporting staff and in 1870 was appointed sub-editor.
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He went on to have a long and respected career in journalism as well as being involved in the establishment of the New Zealand Press Association in 1878. He was editor of the Evening Star newspaper in Auckland for 45 years and by 1900, under his leadership the paper had the largest circulation in New Zealand.
A staunch liberal, he was approached by both Liberal Premier John Balance and Richard Seddon to go into politics, but he declined preferring to exert his considerable influence on politics through his journalism. A man of wide interests Leys was involved in many civic and community affairs, particularly those relating to education. His outstanding contribution in this field was the establishment of the Leys Institute in Ponsonby, which opened in 1905. It provided a free library, reading room, hall and recreation room. In 1906 a gymnasium was added in 1909, the first children’s library in Australasia was established.
At both a local and national level he helped foster the growth of libraries and in 1910 was elected President of the Libraries Association of New Zealand. He also compiled and edited a number of informative books and pamphlets and published a vivid eye-witness account of the devastation caused by the 1886 Tarawera eruption. From 1916-1924 he was on the Auckland Institute and Museum Council, and was one of the judges of the competition designs for the new Auckland War Memorial Museum building in the domain. He was a long serving member of the Auckland University College Council.
A staunch liberal, he was approached by both Liberal Premier John Balance and Richard Seddon to go into politics, but he declined preferring to exert his considerable influence on politics through his journalism. A man of wide interests Leys was involved in many civic and community affairs, particularly those relating to education. His outstanding contribution in this field was the establishment of the Leys Institute in Ponsonby, which opened in 1905. It provided a free library, reading room, hall and recreation room. In 1906 a gymnasium was added in 1909, the first children’s library in Australasia was established.
At both a local and national level he helped foster the growth of libraries and in 1910 was elected President of the Libraries Association of New Zealand. He also compiled and edited a number of informative books and pamphlets and published a vivid eye-witness account of the devastation caused by the 1886 Tarawera eruption. From 1916-1924 he was on the Auckland Institute and Museum Council, and was one of the judges of the competition designs for the new Auckland War Memorial Museum building in the domain. He was a long serving member of the Auckland University College Council.
LEYS, Thomson Wilson
74 years
Died 27 Sept. 1924
Thomas Buddle
Thomas Buddle was a founding partner of the law firm Buddle, Button and Co in Auckland. He was born in the city in 1847, the second son of the Reverend Buddle, an early Methodist missionary.
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At the time of his death in 1918, he was aged 71 years and was a senior partner in the firm, which was the oldest established law firm in Auckland. He was a director of many companies including the New Zealand Insurance Company, Auckland Gas Company and the Colonial Sugar Refining Company. He was a strong supporter of the YMCA and a prominent official in the Methodist Church.
Buddle, Thomas
71 years
Died 1918
Sir James Hugh Buchanan COATES
James Coates was born in Auckland in 1851 – his Father James Coates came out to New Zealand from England as private secretary to G overnor William Hobson. His father subsequently became Clerk of the House of Representatives.
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Educated at the Church of England Grammar School in Parnell and St John’s College, the young James Coates excelled at sport and was a founding member of the Auckland Cricket Association and the Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club. In 1869 he began a career in banking with the Bank of New South Wales and then the newly opened National Bank of New Zealand. He rose through the ranks to become General Manager in 1893. He was on the Board of Directors of the National Bank, and became a Director of the South British Fire and Marine Insurance Company of New Zealand and the Guardian Trust and Executors Company. He was knighted in 1922 after he returned to New Zealand at the end of World War 1.
Coates, Sir James Hugh Buchanan
84 years
Died 11 Oct 1935
Reverend John Robert Burgin
John Burgin was born in England and arrived in New Zealand in 1909 to be Vicar at St Stephens Anglican Church in Ashburton. In 1915 he was appointed Anglican Chaplain-Captain to the 3rd and 4th battalions of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade.
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He saw action at the Somme and was admitted to the 1st New Zealand Hospital Brochenhurst with ill health caused by gassing. He returned to New Zealand in May 1917 and was discharged into the NZ Chaplain’s department. In 1919 he became the Vicar at St Peters Church in Onehunga. He died in 1920 aged 51.
Burgin, Reverend John Robert
51 years
Died 02 Dec 1920
Edwin Fairburn
Edwin Fairburn was a pioneer colonist responsible for laying out the town of Oamaru. He also engineered and surveyed the main road north from Takapuna to the Bay of Islands, laying the foundation for the Auckland Roads Department.
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He was one of the oldest New Zealand born residents of Auckland being the 15th European child born in New Zealand. Born at Paihia in the Bay of Islands in 1827, he was the third son of William T. Fairburn, who settled in New Zealand in 1821 to take up work with the Church Mission Society under the Reverend Samuel Marsden.
He was educated at the Waimate Mission School and entered the Deeds Registry Office in Auckland. In 1847 he joined the Survey Department being the first cadet under the first Surveyor-General. Later he went into private practice and after retirement lived at Parnell and later Epsom. He took an active part in the formation of the Auckland Choral Society and was the first secretary to the original Agricultural Association, being made a life member. He also wrote a number of scientific pamphlets.
He was educated at the Waimate Mission School and entered the Deeds Registry Office in Auckland. In 1847 he joined the Survey Department being the first cadet under the first Surveyor-General. Later he went into private practice and after retirement lived at Parnell and later Epsom. He took an active part in the formation of the Auckland Choral Society and was the first secretary to the original Agricultural Association, being made a life member. He also wrote a number of scientific pamphlets.
Fairburn, Edwin
84 years
Died 9 Dec 1911
Jessie Alexander
Jessie Alexander was active in mission work amongst Maori in the Bay of Plenty and Waikaremoana. Independent in nature, she remained unmarried and devoted her life to various church related works.
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In 1912 Jessie entered the Presbyterian Women's Training Institute in Dunedin and spent the next two years training as a deaconess. At the General Assembly of 1913 she was ordained deaconess. Sister Jessie became respected as a healer, and was listened to with mounting interest. She resigned from Waikaremoana in 1923 because of ill health and returned to Wairoa. Throughout her career the financial stringency of the Maori Mission Committee added to the trials of her missions.
In 1925 she moved on to Taupo, but she fell out with the Maori Mission Committee and was replaced in late 1926. She resigned her final posting at the end of 1934 after doing further relieving work, and retired from the Maori Mission in mid 1936. Jessie Alexander was a strong-minded, independent woman who was warm-hearted and caring. She developed a close rapport and friendship with many Maori and was highly respected for her pioneering work as a missionary.
In 1925 she moved on to Taupo, but she fell out with the Maori Mission Committee and was replaced in late 1926. She resigned her final posting at the end of 1934 after doing further relieving work, and retired from the Maori Mission in mid 1936. Jessie Alexander was a strong-minded, independent woman who was warm-hearted and caring. She developed a close rapport and friendship with many Maori and was highly respected for her pioneering work as a missionary.
Alexander, Jessie
85 years
Died 27 March 1962
Serial #22401
Block M Row 19 Plot 73
Interred
Averill, Archbishop Alfred Walter
The Most Rev. A. W. Averill was Bishop of New Zealand from 1925 until 1940. His tenure spanned a tumultuous time for New Zealand during which the apparent orthodoxy of the earlier Liberal Governments was replaced firstly by conservative, right wing leadership and eventually by Michael Savage’s ground breaking, social reforming Labour Government.
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Bishop Averill had a long and distinguished career in the Church. He arrived in New Zealand in 1894 and held a succession of increasingly senior positions leading up to his appointment as Bishop of Waiapū in 1910. He became Bishop of Auckland in 1914 and Archbishop of New Zealand in 1925.
Archbishop Averill’s career, although firmly grounded in Anglicanism, was open to inter-denominational understanding and the possibility of Church reunification. He seemed to have an unending energy that led him to participate in many civic and religious community organisations. Bishop Averill was not neglectful of his primary calling in so doing as he supported his Christian beliefs through active participation in organisations supporting nursing, social services and help for the poor. Having lived through the First World War, he felt a strong sense of injustice at the undermining of institutions such as the League of Nations that had held the possibility of international peace and cooperation. Bishop Averill spent his retirement years in Christchurch where he had had held his early appointments after arriving in New Zealand.
Archbishop Averill’s career, although firmly grounded in Anglicanism, was open to inter-denominational understanding and the possibility of Church reunification. He seemed to have an unending energy that led him to participate in many civic and religious community organisations. Bishop Averill was not neglectful of his primary calling in so doing as he supported his Christian beliefs through active participation in organisations supporting nursing, social services and help for the poor. Having lived through the First World War, he felt a strong sense of injustice at the undermining of institutions such as the League of Nations that had held the possibility of international peace and cooperation. Bishop Averill spent his retirement years in Christchurch where he had had held his early appointments after arriving in New Zealand.
Averill, Archbishop Alfred Walter
Died 06 July 1957
Aged 91 years
Block G Row 1 Plot 17
Interred
Blundell, Edward Denis
Sir Denis Blundell (as he was known) while perhaps best remembered as a former Governor General of New Zealand had been a distinguished member of the legal profession and diplomat before assuming this high profile but largely ceremonial role.
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BNew Zealand born Sir Denis attended Cambridge University and was admitted to the Bar in England. By 1930 he was back in New Zealand, becoming a partner in the high-profile Belly Gully Law Partnership in 1936. His military biography records he was Officer in Charge of the 23 Battalion, 5 New Zealand Infantry Brigade during World War II.
Sir Denis served as New Zealand High Commissioner (Ambassador) to the United Kingdom from 1968 to 1972. His appointment as Governor General on the recommendation of Sir Keith Holyoake, shortly to end his own term as one of New Zealand’s longest serving Prime Ministers, drew attention to the intertwining of personal and professional relationship within the elites of a small country. (He was to be followed in the role by Holyoake himself.) Holyoake somewhat injudiciously referred to his personal friendship with Blundell during the latter’s swearing-in.
The supposedly apolitical appointment role had attracted criticism from Leader of the Opposition Kirk for just that reason. However, Blundell’s uniqueness came from being the first New Zealand born Governor General since the role had previously been filled by United Kingdom notables of varying pedigree and distinction. On that point, there was general agreement; the monarch’s representative in New Zealand should be a New Zealander.
Sir Denis served as New Zealand High Commissioner (Ambassador) to the United Kingdom from 1968 to 1972. His appointment as Governor General on the recommendation of Sir Keith Holyoake, shortly to end his own term as one of New Zealand’s longest serving Prime Ministers, drew attention to the intertwining of personal and professional relationship within the elites of a small country. (He was to be followed in the role by Holyoake himself.) Holyoake somewhat injudiciously referred to his personal friendship with Blundell during the latter’s swearing-in.
The supposedly apolitical appointment role had attracted criticism from Leader of the Opposition Kirk for just that reason. However, Blundell’s uniqueness came from being the first New Zealand born Governor General since the role had previously been filled by United Kingdom notables of varying pedigree and distinction. On that point, there was general agreement; the monarch’s representative in New Zealand should be a New Zealander.
Blundell, Edward Denis
Died 06 July 1957
aged 76 years
Block Z 000
Bolt, George Bruce
George Bolt was a pioneer of commercial aviation in New Zealand and as such he made an outstanding contribution that assisted the local application of aerial technology. Bolt was both a trained mechanic and pilot who built and flew his first glider in 1911. He pioneered air mail services with flights to Dargaville, Thames and Whangarei.
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During World War II he held the rank of Wing Commander with responsibility for repairs, maintenance and assembly of aircraft at Ohakea and Hobsonville air bases. After the war he was appointed Chief Engineer of TEAL (Trans Empire Airways Limited) the forerunner of Air New Zealand, a position he held until retirement in 1960. While past records can appear inconsequential, Bolt’s flight on 22 January 1919 to 3,400 ft. was an altitude record for Auckland.
Such achievements showed the possibilities for a new technology that others could use in productive endeavours. In a hilly country like New Zealand road and rail links were expensive to build and maintain. A dispersed and relatively sparse population made the viability of such transport links economically fragile. It was the use of pioneering aviation, such as Bolt’s, that revealed the possibilities. Aerial mapping to survey new routes, applications of bulk fertiliser and later efficient passenger transport were to have a significant impact on local economic development.
Such achievements showed the possibilities for a new technology that others could use in productive endeavours. In a hilly country like New Zealand road and rail links were expensive to build and maintain. A dispersed and relatively sparse population made the viability of such transport links economically fragile. It was the use of pioneering aviation, such as Bolt’s, that revealed the possibilities. Aerial mapping to survey new routes, applications of bulk fertiliser and later efficient passenger transport were to have a significant impact on local economic development.
Bolt, George Bruce
Died: 27 July 1963
aged 70 years
Block L Row 3 Plot 30
Braithwaite, Augustus Edward
Braithwaite’s fame rests on his unrequested and unwitting role as the victim in one of the first, if not the first, murders to be solved with the assistance of fingerprint evidence. The parallels with the later use of DNA as an infallible tool in criminal justice are uncanny.
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On Saturday 13 March 1920 Augustus Braithwaite, the postmaster at Ponsonby, was murdered in his own house. His keys were taken and the Post Office strongroom was opened and ransacked. Fingerprints found on three cash boxes were sent to the Criminal Registration Branch (CRB) at Police Headquarters in Wellington for analysis.
Although the lawyer for the accused (Gunn) argued that the fingerprint evidence was inconclusive the accused did admit to a role in the robbery, but claimed that Braithwaite had been killed by an accomplice, Alfred (or Bonny) O’Meara. The jury was not convinced. After a five-day trial Gunn was convicted and sentenced to death on 28 May 1920. He was hanged in Auckland on 22 June.
Although the lawyer for the accused (Gunn) argued that the fingerprint evidence was inconclusive the accused did admit to a role in the robbery, but claimed that Braithwaite had been killed by an accomplice, Alfred (or Bonny) O’Meara. The jury was not convinced. After a five-day trial Gunn was convicted and sentenced to death on 28 May 1920. He was hanged in Auckland on 22 June.
Braithwaite, Augustus Edward
Died 13 March 1920
aged 57 Years
Serial #7237
Block F Row 42 Plot 80
Interred
Burnaby, William
Dr Burnaby was a Phrenologist who was in New Zealand to deliver a series of lectures on his speciality ‘science’. It is not clear from the advertising whether he took this seriously or was rather a showman who gave a parody of the phrenologist at work.
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Whatever the case he died unexpectedly in his hotel in Gisborne. This necessitated an inquest that had to be adjourned for an autopsy to be undertaken. The first jury was unable to reach a verdict even after the medical evidence was given and a second was sworn in. They also called for additional medical evidence.
Upon resuming, two members of the second jury were ‘not in a fit state to proceed’ and were consequently dismissed. A verdict of death from natural causes was finally delivered. Why the body was transported to Purewa for interment is not clear as only six days elapsed between death and burial. Given the inquest this seems to have been the minimal time required to complete the formalities and then prepare and deliver the body for interment in Auckland.
Upon resuming, two members of the second jury were ‘not in a fit state to proceed’ and were consequently dismissed. A verdict of death from natural causes was finally delivered. Why the body was transported to Purewa for interment is not clear as only six days elapsed between death and burial. Given the inquest this seems to have been the minimal time required to complete the formalities and then prepare and deliver the body for interment in Auckland.
Burnaby, William
Died 11 September 1894
aged 58 Years
Serial #820
Block C Row 5 Plot 33
Interred
Cade, George Palmer
George Cade was born at Hawera, Taranaki, in 1909.
In 1928, Cade joined the New Zealand Army, and in 1940 left New Zealand with the first echelons. He saw action in Greece and Crete in 1941, as well as serving in North Africa between 1941-43.
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During the Battle for Egypt in 1942, Cade was awarded the DSO for gallantry in action.Following his return to New Zealand, Cade filled a number of positions in the Post War New Zealand army. Cade retired from the army in 1964, after 36 years as a regular soldier. His last rank was Lieutenant-Colonel. He passed away in 1987 and was buried at Purewa in September 1987.
Cade, George Palmer
Died 26 September 1987
aged 78 Years
Serial #37341
Block L Row 0 Plot 12
Caughey, (Sir) Thomas Harcourt Clarke
Caughey was a great nephew of Marianne Caughey, founder of the iconic Auckland department of store Smith and Caughey. ‘Pat’ Caughey was a capped All Black in the amateur game era when relative few test matches were played and caps were therefore comparatively rare.
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He joined the family firm in 1930 and rose to become Managing Director. Caughey was active in public health both as a member of the Auckland Hospital Board and through his support for medical research. Information about Caughey’s business career and philanthropic contribution is sparse compared to the public record from his sporting career but he appears to have been a steady hand during a period where the one stop shop predominated and department stores flourished.
The later advent of mall shopping with clusters of specialist stores grouped under one roof presented a major challenge to the department store concept. Smith and Caughey was a one of the few that survived this change in retail shopping habits.
The later advent of mall shopping with clusters of specialist stores grouped under one roof presented a major challenge to the department store concept. Smith and Caughey was a one of the few that survived this change in retail shopping habits.
Caughey, (Sir) Thomas Harcourt Clarke
Died 4 August 1993
aged 82 Years
Block Y Row 19 Plot 52
Chalmers, Wallace
Detective Inspector Wallace Chalmers was fatally shot when called to the scene of a firearms incident near Waitakere, Auckland in January 1963. Another policeman in attendance at the incident was also shot.
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It was generally accepted up until the time of this sad event (which was followed by another police shooting less than a month later in Wellington) that New Zealand police were unarmed and generally attended the scene of reported crimes without firearms. Even when police were armed there was usually no special firearms training or expert officers available for such calls out, although armed criminals were not unknown and there had been earlier deaths involving firearms.
As a result of the Waitakere shootings an Armed Offenders Squad was established within the New Zealand Police and there was a general review of police tactics to be used during incidents where firearms were involved. The offender was tried and found to be criminally insane. Inspector Chalmers was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for bravery. Sadly, it could be seen that was had been assumed to be a relationship of trust between public and police was undermined by two unrelated but coincidental acts of extreme violence.
As a result of the Waitakere shootings an Armed Offenders Squad was established within the New Zealand Police and there was a general review of police tactics to be used during incidents where firearms were involved. The offender was tried and found to be criminally insane. Inspector Chalmers was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for bravery. Sadly, it could be seen that was had been assumed to be a relationship of trust between public and police was undermined by two unrelated but coincidental acts of extreme violence.
Chalmers, Wallace
Died 6 January 1963
aged 46 Years
Block M Row 16 Plot 58
Chambers, Sir Robert Stanley
Robert Stanley Chambers was born in Auckland on 23 August 1953. After an education at King's College, he attended Auckland University from 1971 to 1974, graduating LLB(Hons) in 1975. He was an outstanding student, being awarded Junior and Senior Scholarships in Law, the AG Davis Scholarship and the Sir Alexander Johnston Scholarship.
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After a year as clerk to Judges of the Supreme Court (now High Court), Justice Chambers proceeded to Oxford University, having been awarded Commonwealth and New Zealand Law Society Scholarships. At Oxford he was Salvesen Fellow at New College and he was awarded his DPhil in 1978.
On his return to New Zealand he lectured Torts at the Auckland Law School for several years while beginning in practice. He became a barrister sole in 1981 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1992. He became a Judge of the High Court in 1999 and a Judge of the Court of Appeal in 2004. Justice Chambers was appointed to the Supreme Court in December 2011.
He was described as one of New Zealand’s greatest legal brains, with a powerful legal mind. His sudden death was a significant loss to the New Zealand legal community.
Chambers was posthumously made a Knight - something that he had been aware of prior to his death - recognising his services to the judiciary.
Chambers passed away unexpectedly in 2013 and his ashes were interred at Purewa in May 2014. .
On his return to New Zealand he lectured Torts at the Auckland Law School for several years while beginning in practice. He became a barrister sole in 1981 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1992. He became a Judge of the High Court in 1999 and a Judge of the Court of Appeal in 2004. Justice Chambers was appointed to the Supreme Court in December 2011.
He was described as one of New Zealand’s greatest legal brains, with a powerful legal mind. His sudden death was a significant loss to the New Zealand legal community.
Chambers was posthumously made a Knight - something that he had been aware of prior to his death - recognising his services to the judiciary.
Chambers passed away unexpectedly in 2013 and his ashes were interred at Purewa in May 2014. .
Chambers, Sir Robert Stanley
Died 21 May 2013
aged 59 Years
Serial #49748
Memorial Tree Site- Plot 111
Chitty, Ernest
Ernest Chitty was the first blind New Zealand University. He subsequently had a distinguished and remarkable career in both the academic and theological world. He was never ordained as a priest, possibly due to Archbishop Averill views although there was no canon law or precedent obstacle to his ordination. Chitty entered the Methodist Prince Albert College in February 1900, passing his matriculation exam after two years. He attended Auckland University College, graduating BA in 1906 – the first blind graduate in New Zealand.
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Chitty had been raised a Baptist, but he was baptised at the Anglican pro-cathedral in Auckland on 20 July 1902. He offered himself for the Anglican ministry in 1906. Although there was some doubt whether canon law permitted ordination of those with a physical disability, the governors of the College of St John the Evangelist nevertheless gave him a Marsh scholarship.
He was at the college from 1907 to 1909 and completed the Board of Theological Studies exams with a first-class pass and in 1911 was awarded a licentiate in theology. In 1909 Chitty graduated MA in Classics and was ordained a deacon.Ernest Chitty died at Auckland on 8 June 1948, survived by his wife and daughter. Described as 'One of the most loved and admired ministers of the Church', he was respected for the way in which he had faced the challenge of blindness and become a good scholar and teacher, a proficient musician, and, as a visitor and deacon, a friend to many.
He was at the college from 1907 to 1909 and completed the Board of Theological Studies exams with a first-class pass and in 1911 was awarded a licentiate in theology. In 1909 Chitty graduated MA in Classics and was ordained a deacon.Ernest Chitty died at Auckland on 8 June 1948, survived by his wife and daughter. Described as 'One of the most loved and admired ministers of the Church', he was respected for the way in which he had faced the challenge of blindness and become a good scholar and teacher, a proficient musician, and, as a visitor and deacon, a friend to many.
Chitty, Ernest
Died 08 June 1948
aged 65 Years
Serial # 14895
Block H Row 7 Plot 91
Interred
Curnow, Dr Thomas Allen
Thomas Curnow as a celebrated New Zealand poet, notable perhaps in New Zealand society that has had a traditional suspicion of intellectuals and those of a creative inclination. Thomas Curnow’s intellectual abilities were recognizable from his achievements during his training at St John’s College in preparation for his ordination. Despite graduating as the top student of his cohort he eventually decided not to enter the Church.
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While studying for a B.A. at Auckland University College he began to publish his poetry in the University magazine and later in the New Zealand Herald and the Christchurch Press. He became a lecturer and associate professor at Auckland while continuing his writing.
Curnow received several awards, including the CBE in 1980. In 1988/89 Curnow was judged the overall winner of the Dillon’s Commonwealth Poetry competition. This award is judged by an international panel and brings together the best of the commonwealth poets. He also received the Queen’s Gold Medal for poetry in 1989, the first New Zealander to be so recognised.
Curnow received several awards, including the CBE in 1980. In 1988/89 Curnow was judged the overall winner of the Dillon’s Commonwealth Poetry competition. This award is judged by an international panel and brings together the best of the commonwealth poets. He also received the Queen’s Gold Medal for poetry in 1989, the first New Zealander to be so recognised.
Curnow, Dr Thomas Allen
Died 08 June 1948
aged 90 Years
Block B Row 2 Plot 30D
Daldy, William Crush
Member of Parliament for Auckland City in the second Parliament; Cabinet Minister in the government of Sir William Fox (1856); secretary and agent of the Auckland Provincial Council; Chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board; an Auckland City Councillor; a founder and captain of the Auckland Fire Brigade;
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Justice of the Peace; trustee of the Auckland Savings Bank; a founder and director of the New Zealand Insurance Company, and chairman of the South British Insurance Company.
Daldy, William Crush
Died 05 Oct 1903
aged 87 Years
Block A Row 18 Plot 8
Dowell, George Dare
The aptly named George Dare Dowell served in the Royal Marines from 1849 to 1872. He was decorated with the Victoria Cross in 1857, the highest British award for gallantry, for action during the Crimean War when he rescued a drifting cutter that was in danger of falling into Russian hands. Dowell rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
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Dowell was one of the first recipients of the VC and he was at the investiture ceremony presided over by Queen Victoria in Hyde Park on 26 June 1857. His name is proudly recorded in reports of the occasion: First Lieutenant George Dare Dowell, Royal Marine Artillery (Baltic).
As is often the case with occasional heroes he displayed rare gallantry on a unique occasion when others might have hesitated had they paused to consider the risks. After leaving the Marines Dowell and his family emigrated to New Zealand where he died in 1910.
As is often the case with occasional heroes he displayed rare gallantry on a unique occasion when others might have hesitated had they paused to consider the risks. After leaving the Marines Dowell and his family emigrated to New Zealand where he died in 1910.
Dowell, George Dare
Died 03 Aug 1910
aged 74 Years
Block A Row 6 Plot 3
Eady, Lewis Robert
Lewis Eady was an Auckland music dealer. He was active in various music and choral organisations. A very competent double bass player and pianist, Lewis Eady was also one of the early Auckland motorists (from about 1905 onwards) and reportedly, a crack recreational shooter.
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The business he founded in 1884 still exists under the leadership of the fourth generation of his family. This is a rare achievement that shows a willingness to reinvent and adapt as musical styles and tastes change and new technologies become available. Lewis Eady was one of the earliest producer of records and retailer of record players while later, prior to Government regulation of radio transmission, the Lewis Eady business had its own radio station (1ZR).
Auckland had a ‘Lewis Eady Hall’ for music and dramatic performances and from which live performances were sometimes broadcast. Frequent mentions of this venue in the publicity for various performances were no doubt an important part of keeping the name of the business prominently associated with the musical life of the city. Eady’s extensive music collection was donated to the Auckland Public Library, another astute philanthropic move.
Auckland had a ‘Lewis Eady Hall’ for music and dramatic performances and from which live performances were sometimes broadcast. Frequent mentions of this venue in the publicity for various performances were no doubt an important part of keeping the name of the business prominently associated with the musical life of the city. Eady’s extensive music collection was donated to the Auckland Public Library, another astute philanthropic move.
Eady, Lewis Robert
Died 12 Sept. 1937
aged 79 Years
Block D Row 22 Plot 9
Fenton, Francis Dart
Chief Judge of the Native Land Court; District Court Judge at Auckland; founder and president of the Auckland choral society; Chairman of the Dominion Board (which led to the formation of the Domain Cricket Ground) and viticulturist.
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Fenton, formerly Chief Judge of the Native Lands Court and District Judge at Auckland, came to the colony in 1850 or 1851. In 1854 he was appointed by Sir George Grey, Governor, to be the Resident Magistrate at Kaipara, and in 1855 he became Native Secretary. Mr Maclean (afterwards Sir. Donald Maclean) was then Chief Commissioner for the Purchase of Native Lands. Whilst in Waikato, in 1857, Mr Fenton wrote a paper describing the political discontent among the natives and calling attention to the extreme danger of the King movement, then commencing.
In 1858 Mr Fenton became Assistant Law Officer of the Crown. He retained that office until the removal of the seat of Government to Wellington in 1864, when he became Chief Judge of the Native Land Court. Finding the Act of 1862 defective, he drew the Act of 1865, which became law, and was the means of causing large quantities of Maori land to pass under Crown title. In 1866 Mr Fenton was called to the Legislative Council but lost his seat on the passing of the Disqualification Act. He became District Judge, as well as Chief Judge of the Native Land Court.
NB Fenton’s grave is unmarked. The first plots in Row 25 are numbered alpha-numerically as 1a, 1b 1c etc down the hill from the boundary. Fenton’s grave is in the locality immediately on the uphill side of the Colebourne Family plot (which is Plot 14) and is the second grave below Clarence Beale’s grave which is the last grave with a legible inscription, the next one having a prone headstone that is difficult to read.
In 1858 Mr Fenton became Assistant Law Officer of the Crown. He retained that office until the removal of the seat of Government to Wellington in 1864, when he became Chief Judge of the Native Land Court. Finding the Act of 1862 defective, he drew the Act of 1865, which became law, and was the means of causing large quantities of Maori land to pass under Crown title. In 1866 Mr Fenton was called to the Legislative Council but lost his seat on the passing of the Disqualification Act. He became District Judge, as well as Chief Judge of the Native Land Court.
NB Fenton’s grave is unmarked. The first plots in Row 25 are numbered alpha-numerically as 1a, 1b 1c etc down the hill from the boundary. Fenton’s grave is in the locality immediately on the uphill side of the Colebourne Family plot (which is Plot 14) and is the second grave below Clarence Beale’s grave which is the last grave with a legible inscription, the next one having a prone headstone that is difficult to read.
Fenton, Francis Dart
Died 23 April 1898
aged 75 yearss
Serial # 1491
Block D Row 25 Plot 1
Fox, Sir William
William Fox arrived in New Zealand, newly married and already admitted to the Bar. He was a supporter of Wakefield’s New Zealand Company settlements and served for a time as one of its leaders. The Company sponsored migration from England and through colonial settlements aimed to replicate English Society, including a class-based hierarchy, on Maori land acquired for the purpose.
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Wakefield and his supporters despised the Treaty of Waitangi and its confirmation of unoccupied Maori land ownership. They believed land not actively farmer or otherwise in use by Maori should be forfeited to the Crown or made available for settlers to purchase. To this end, Fox entered New Zealand political life, initially in the Wellington province. He visited England and actively lobbied for a bill to establish provincial governments in New Zealand.
As a Member of the House of Representatives, Fox was premiere on four occasions. He was frequently at odds with Grey, particular over questions of land ownership and right of possession. In later life Fox was an advocate for the temperance movement and a supporter of compulsory state education. Fox was as controversial as his views on Maori land and his opinions on the governing of New Zealand, for which he favoured a federal model, would suggest.
As a Member of the House of Representatives, Fox was premiere on four occasions. He was frequently at odds with Grey, particular over questions of land ownership and right of possession. In later life Fox was an advocate for the temperance movement and a supporter of compulsory state education. Fox was as controversial as his views on Maori land and his opinions on the governing of New Zealand, for which he favoured a federal model, would suggest.
Fox, Sir William
Died 23 June 1893
aged 81 years
Block C Row 7 Plot 2
Goldie, Charles Frederick
Goldie was one of New Zealand’s most famed artist whose portraits of Maori are for many often the most frequently remembered representation of New Zealand’s tangata whenua (original inhabitants). Goldie trained as an artist in New Zealand and Australia, won prizes for his early work and then travelled to France to advance his studies.
Read More about Goldie, Charles Frederick
His early portraits were often of Maori clad in traditional dress with memorable traditional moko (tattoo) on their faces. Goldie’s portraits have been praised for the apparently ‘true to life’ quality in their subjects’ appearance. Later in his career he was criticized for exactly that quality; his portraits were deemed too life-like by some critics and lacking in an interpretative edge that might have set them apart from photographic portraits.
Many of his later paintings were reproductions from his own earlier work, sold in many cases to wealthy tourists and probably reflecting his financial needs as much as his artistic inclination. His work, while now seen as an iconic fixture in New Zealand’s history of artistic achievement still attracts criticism for its presumed racist undertones through the interpretation that Goldie was depicting an earlier idealistic ‘noble savage.’ At the time of his death as well as more recently he has been recognized as a person of his time whose realistic artistic interpretations left a valuable visual record of early generations of the indigenous New Zealanders.
Many of his later paintings were reproductions from his own earlier work, sold in many cases to wealthy tourists and probably reflecting his financial needs as much as his artistic inclination. His work, while now seen as an iconic fixture in New Zealand’s history of artistic achievement still attracts criticism for its presumed racist undertones through the interpretation that Goldie was depicting an earlier idealistic ‘noble savage.’ At the time of his death as well as more recently he has been recognized as a person of his time whose realistic artistic interpretations left a valuable visual record of early generations of the indigenous New Zealanders.
Goldie, Charles Frederick
Died 11 July 1947
aged 72 years
Block E Row 48 Plot 78
Hellaby, Richard
Co-founder of R. & W. Hellaby Butchers
Richard Hellaby was born in Thurvaston, Derbyshire. In 1867 Richard Hellaby followed his older brother William to New Zealand. By 1873 he had saved enough to buy out his employer, F. H. Hammond, and with financial support from Williams, he opened a butcher shop called R. & W. Hellaby on 1 November 1873.
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Richard Hellaby developed a reputation as a fair and honourable businessman and farmers from all over the country bypassed the sale yards to send him stock directly. His business grew to offer a wide variety of goods. It also provided a delivery service to both town and country customers. In 1889 Hellaby’s expanded into the frozen meat trade when the Frozen Meat and Storage Company went into liquidation.
Richard Hellaby purchased a number of the company’s assets, sold some and invested in the Northern Roller Milling Company; becoming a director and one of its largest shareholders. However Richard retained the freezing works at Westfield; which he turned into a useful adjunct to the business. By 1898 R. & W. Hellaby it was the largest butchering firm in New Zealand.
Richard Hellaby purchased a number of the company’s assets, sold some and invested in the Northern Roller Milling Company; becoming a director and one of its largest shareholders. However Richard retained the freezing works at Westfield; which he turned into a useful adjunct to the business. By 1898 R. & W. Hellaby it was the largest butchering firm in New Zealand.
Hellaby, Richard
Died 19 June 1902
aged 55 years
Serial 2392
Block E Row 39 Plot 66
Horton, Sir Henry
Henry Horton was born in Timaru in 1870, the son of newspaper man A.G. Horton. A. G. Horton had interests in the Timaru Herald, the Thames Advertiser, and Auckland’s Southern Cross. He was also in partnership with the Wilsons, proprietors of the New Zealand Herald.
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Henry attended Christs College until 1888, and studied at Auckland University graduating in 1892. On the death of his father in 1903, Henry found himself the executive head of the Herald, and the Auckland Weekly News. In 1925, the partnership with the Wilsons was turned into a limited liability company, and Henry became its managing director.
Henry also had a close and practical interest in the United Press Association, serving as its chairman in 1912, 1922, and 1935. He also sat on the executive of the New Zealand section of the Empire Press Union, representing it overseas; in 1930 he became chairman of the section.
Horton was also involved in a number of activities outside of the newspaper industry. He had a 38 year involvement with the New Zealand Insurance Company (he was senior director at the time of his death), also a director of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company. Horton served on the executive of the Auckland Provincial Patriotic Association during the whole 26 years of its existence, from 1915 until it was wound up in 1942. He was a Government representative on the Auckland University College Council, 1931–38, and a member of the Venerable Order of St. John.
Henry also had a close and practical interest in the United Press Association, serving as its chairman in 1912, 1922, and 1935. He also sat on the executive of the New Zealand section of the Empire Press Union, representing it overseas; in 1930 he became chairman of the section.
Horton was also involved in a number of activities outside of the newspaper industry. He had a 38 year involvement with the New Zealand Insurance Company (he was senior director at the time of his death), also a director of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company. Horton served on the executive of the Auckland Provincial Patriotic Association during the whole 26 years of its existence, from 1915 until it was wound up in 1942. He was a Government representative on the Auckland University College Council, 1931–38, and a member of the Venerable Order of St. John.
Horton, Sir Henry
Died 19 July 1943
aged 73 years
Serial #13030
Block A Row 13 Plot 38A
Ihaka, (Sir) Kingi
Kingi Ihaka was a distinguished clergyman who attained senior leadership positions within the Anglican Church while still remaining true to his Maori identity and culture. He grew up at a time when such was not encouraged and many believed that to become a brown European (pakeha) was the future for Maori.
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Kingi Ihaka was to become a priest, an archdeacon and ultimately vicar general of Aotearoa. In 1961 Rev. Ihaka worked as an advisor on a film production of Sylvia Ashton-Warner. His acute observations of American life as he observed it from Hollywood were published in Te Ao Hou (The New World) of 1 March 1961.
He followed a philosophy of partnership between the races within the Church and was distinguished by his contribution to Maori youth, especially his work within the expatriated Maori community in Australia, where he was stationed from 1984-87. Rev. Kingi was also a Maori Language Commissioner, a role dedicated to promotion and development of Maori as an official language of New Zealand. Sir Kingi, having previously been awarded the MBE in 1970, was knighted in 1989. The citation in the London Gazette simply reads ‘For services to the Maori people.’
He followed a philosophy of partnership between the races within the Church and was distinguished by his contribution to Maori youth, especially his work within the expatriated Maori community in Australia, where he was stationed from 1984-87. Rev. Kingi was also a Maori Language Commissioner, a role dedicated to promotion and development of Maori as an official language of New Zealand. Sir Kingi, having previously been awarded the MBE in 1970, was knighted in 1989. The citation in the London Gazette simply reads ‘For services to the Maori people.’
Ihaka, (Sir) Kingi
Died 1 Jan 1993
aged 71 years
Block G Row 14 Plot 9
Kerridge, Robert James
Bob Kerridge was an entrepreneur who saw the potential for exhibiting films and built a successful distribution business based on the chain of cinemas that he owned and operated. His earlier forays into the transport business showed a keen business acumen.
Read More about Kerridge,
Robert James
Once he had a toehold in the cinema business his canny acquisitions during the depression plus his later purchases in the 1940s eventually saw him in control of 133 outlets. His sale of half the chain to the Arthur Rank Company in 1946 secured his fortune and also the supply of movie content for his outlets. Later in life his business interests diversified to include a wide range of leisure, tourism and entertainment interests. He was a concert promoter, hotel operator and invested in innovative transport enterprises such as the Auckland hydrofoil.
His vision in securing an early foothold in New Zealand entertainment was vindicated by fortuitous timing. He also benefitted from the licensing system in New Zealand although this was not unique to the cinema industry as many an aspiring entrepreneur in pre-1990 New Zealand could affirm. For Kerridge, the innovation of ‘talkies’ in 1929 quickly led to widespread distribution and expansion of his cinemas, a trend was not checked until the 1960s when the introduction of in-home entertainment via television started to undermine a night out at the flicks.
His vision in securing an early foothold in New Zealand entertainment was vindicated by fortuitous timing. He also benefitted from the licensing system in New Zealand although this was not unique to the cinema industry as many an aspiring entrepreneur in pre-1990 New Zealand could affirm. For Kerridge, the innovation of ‘talkies’ in 1929 quickly led to widespread distribution and expansion of his cinemas, a trend was not checked until the 1960s when the introduction of in-home entertainment via television started to undermine a night out at the flicks.
Kerridge, Robert James
Died 26 April 1979
aged 77 years
Block J Row 14 Plot 52
McCarthy, Winston John
Winston McCarthy was ‘the Voice of New Zealand Rugby’. He was born in Wellington on 10 March 1908. He was given the task of broadcasting the matches that were played by the Kiwis (the New Zealand Expeditionary rugby team of 1945-46).
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The team, which won 32 of 38 matches against England, Wales and France, captured the imagination of New Zealanders; including Prime Minister Peter Fraser, who enjoyed McCarthy’s broadcasts. Winston McCarthy’s commentaries were the first live broadcasts in New Zealand from the United Kingdom and he became a household name overnight.
He prepared for his broadcasts by keeping massive scrapbooks and preparing information charts on the players. Employed before the era of television, when rugby was narrated over the radio, Winston McCarthy broadcast 38 tests, as well as other sports like cricket and boxing, the 1950 and 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, and the 1956 Olympic Games. His last commentary of a rugby test match was the fourth on the 1959 Lions tour.
He prepared for his broadcasts by keeping massive scrapbooks and preparing information charts on the players. Employed before the era of television, when rugby was narrated over the radio, Winston McCarthy broadcast 38 tests, as well as other sports like cricket and boxing, the 1950 and 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, and the 1956 Olympic Games. His last commentary of a rugby test match was the fourth on the 1959 Lions tour.
McCarthy, Winston John
Died 2 Jan 1984
aged 75 years
Serial # 35269
Block X Row 42 Plot 18
Minhinnick, (Sir) Gordon Edward George
The name ‘Minhinnick’ was for a generation of New Zealanders synonymous with a style of cartoon that was simultaneously both pointed and subtle while delivering a strong metaphorical poke to the subject, delivered without rancor or rudeness.
Read More about Minhinnick, (Sir) Gordon Edward George
His most active years and famous works were produced while he was resident cartoonist with the New Zealand Herald (1930-1976). His career coincided with those of political leaders such as M. J. Savage (the first NZ Labour Party Prime Minister), Sir Keith Holyoake, Norman Kirk and especially Sir Robert Muldoon (also interred at Purewa). Muldoon’s forthright manner and distinctive visage made him as an ideal subject for the cartoonist. It could be said that Minhinnick dealt to all of them without fear.
While some felt that Gordon Minhinnick style was too conservative he was provocative and evoked controversy. His cartoons were published in the New Zealand Free Lance, the Christchurch Sun, and the Auckland Sun and were a much anticipation feature in all of them. Examples of his work are readily accessible online and the reader is urged to complete a quick search to see examples of his work covering topics of the day that still resonate for many older New Zealanders.
While some felt that Gordon Minhinnick style was too conservative he was provocative and evoked controversy. His cartoons were published in the New Zealand Free Lance, the Christchurch Sun, and the Auckland Sun and were a much anticipation feature in all of them. Examples of his work are readily accessible online and the reader is urged to complete a quick search to see examples of his work covering topics of the day that still resonate for many older New Zealanders.
Minhinnick, (Sir) Gordon Edward George
Died 19 Feb 1992
aged 89 years
Block K Row 5 Plot 7
Mitchelson, (Sir) Edwin
Edwin Mitchelson was a politician who seemed to be associated with virtually any and every Board and Committee available. He was an M.P, and briefly was acting-Premier of New Zealand. Originally a carpenter, Edwin worked for a time for Dargaville and Company prior to founding his own shipbuilding business with his brothers.
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He owned ships used in the coastal trade and developed extensive interests in timber extraction and saw milling. First elected to Parliament in 1881, Mitchelson held several cabinet level posts during his career but it is term as Native Affairs Minister that had the most significant consequences.
The Native Land act of 1888 allowed direct purchase of Maori land by private treaty, a move that given the precarious state of the finances of many Maori at the time almost guaranteed the alienation of significant tranches of native title. Mitchelson, an opponent of the two most significant Liberal Premiers (Ballance and then Seddon) lost his seat in 1896 and thereafter devoted his public service to local body and voluntary organisations. He was an active member of the Auckland Racing Club and was its President for thirty years.
The Native Land act of 1888 allowed direct purchase of Maori land by private treaty, a move that given the precarious state of the finances of many Maori at the time almost guaranteed the alienation of significant tranches of native title. Mitchelson, an opponent of the two most significant Liberal Premiers (Ballance and then Seddon) lost his seat in 1896 and thereafter devoted his public service to local body and voluntary organisations. He was an active member of the Auckland Racing Club and was its President for thirty years.
Mitchelson, (Sir) Edwin
Died 11 April 1934
aged 88 years
Block E Row 34 Plot 23
Moore-Jones, Horace
Horace Moore-Jones was the painter of one the most famous ANZAC images, “The Man with the Donkey”. Although the painting and its subject have been the subject of historical debate, the image of an unarmed soldier carrying a wounded ‘digger’ on his donkey (the animal that carried Christ) has become an iconic image of sacrifice and valour from the unsuccessful ANZAC campaign at Gallipoli.
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Moore-Jones was a professional artist who enlisted in 1914 while coincidentally in London studying and working for Pearson’s magazine. His artistic skills saw him posted to the ANZAC Printing Section where he was employed sketching various military images including topography and troop deployments. After being wounded in 1915 Moore-Jones returned to London where he continued to paint. After being classified as unfit for further service he returned to New Zealand where he exhibited and lectured on the Gallipoli experience.
The most famous of his paintings was produced in Dunedin in 1917. Moore-Jones died from severe burns he suffered while rescuing guests trapped in the premises of a Hamilton Motel in 1922. The Man and Donkey image became probably the most spontaneously recognized first world war images in both Australia and New Zealand.
The most famous of his paintings was produced in Dunedin in 1917. Moore-Jones died from severe burns he suffered while rescuing guests trapped in the premises of a Hamilton Motel in 1922. The Man and Donkey image became probably the most spontaneously recognized first world war images in both Australia and New Zealand.
Moore-Jones, Horace
Died 3 April 1922
aged 54 years
Block F Row 37 Plot 102
Muldoon, (Sir) Robert David
Muldoon was the most controversial politician of his era. He saw service during World War II and trained as an accountant, famously taking his final examinations while in Italy. As a politician, he was an able debater with a quick tongue and a willingness to counter-punch that left his enemies wary. Muldoon managed to instinctively straddle what was then the political middle ground, midway between a social and moral conservatism on the right (anti-abortion and moral standards organisations were at their peak) and a more permissive, politically liberal, environmentally aware movement on his left.
Read More about Muldoon, (Sir) Robert David
He found the middle ground in provincial towns and the suburbs of the larger cities where mortgage belt families battled high inflation and an uncertain global outlook as Britain sort EEC membership. As the economic shock precipitated by rapid rises in crude oil prices hit, domestic energy development was ranged against environmental protection. Strict regulations from retail prices to import controls to interest rates were used to hold back the impact of the global transformation of the 1970s and 1980s.
Muldoon, through his advocacy of separation between politics and sport, found an issue in the Springbok Tour of 1981 that both inspired his 'Rob's Mob' supporters and infuriated his more liberal detractors. Ultimately Muldoon's attempts to retain the harmony of a 1960s New Zealand that was more imagined than real failed but in so doing he unleashed counter forces that led to far greater changes and liberalisation in domestic and foreign policy than even he had ever envisaged.
Muldoon, through his advocacy of separation between politics and sport, found an issue in the Springbok Tour of 1981 that both inspired his 'Rob's Mob' supporters and infuriated his more liberal detractors. Ultimately Muldoon's attempts to retain the harmony of a 1960s New Zealand that was more imagined than real failed but in so doing he unleashed counter forces that led to far greater changes and liberalisation in domestic and foreign policy than even he had ever envisaged.
Muldoon, (Sir) Robert David
Died 5 August 1992
aged 70 years
Block R Row 0 Plot 1A
Northcroft, Henry William
England born Henry Northcroft served in the New Zealand Colonial Forces during what were then known as the Maori Wars of the 1860s. The conflict is now described as the New Zealand Land Wars. This controversial period in New Zealand history has been much debated by historians. It is now generally accepted that the wars were primarily caused by pressure from European settlers for land, the ownership of which had been recognized under the Treaty of Waitangi.
Read More about Northcroft, Henry William
Maori resistance to continued alienation of their tribal lands was met by forcible dispossession carried by British troops and later, local armed forces. Within that context Northcroft participated in many engagements and would, his commanding office once wrote, have been recommended for the highest gallantry award, the Victoria Cross, if colonial soldiers had been eligible to receive it. (They probably were but a misinterpretation of the criteria by the Governor in 1869 suggested they were not.) There is no question that during his service Northcroft showed great bravery and resourcefulness.
He was later in his service life decorated with the New Zealand Cross for an action that took place in 1866. The Cross is now noted for its scarcity as only twenty-three were ever awarded. Following his military career, Northcroft served as a Magistrate in a number of North Island location and was from 1913 Chief Justice and Resident Commissioner of the Cook Islands, then a New Zealand dependency.
He was later in his service life decorated with the New Zealand Cross for an action that took place in 1866. The Cross is now noted for its scarcity as only twenty-three were ever awarded. Following his military career, Northcroft served as a Magistrate in a number of North Island location and was from 1913 Chief Justice and Resident Commissioner of the Cook Islands, then a New Zealand dependency.
Northcroft, Henry William
Died 10 December 1923
aged 79 years
Block D Row 17 Plot 115
Paykel, Maurice
Maurice Paykel was born in Auckland, 1916. Paykel's father, Albert, established an export business dealing in Kauri gum and animal hides. By 1920, his sons, George and Horace, had set up their own mercantile firm, Paykel Brothers, importing a range of industrial products including oils, thermostats, and conveyor belts. When Maurice completed his high school education in 1932, though he had his heart set on a career farming, he duly entered the firm as an assistant, packaging oils and delivering orders.
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In 1934, with salesman and friend, Woolf Fisher, he established Fisher and Paykel. Though he was not as outgoing as his partner, Maurice Paykel was an equally keen salesman. At times, the pair would engage in competitive rivalry to see who could outsell the other. In the firm, Paykel put his energies into the administrative side of the business, ensuring that whatever deals his partner did, the company delivered on.
In 1975, after the death of Woolf Fisher, Maurice Paykel assumed the leadership of the firm. He became chairman in 1979 and until his death in 2002 was consistently involved in the leadership and direction of the firm, as it expanded increasingly into overseas markets.
In 1975, after the death of Woolf Fisher, Maurice Paykel assumed the leadership of the firm. He became chairman in 1979 and until his death in 2002 was consistently involved in the leadership and direction of the firm, as it expanded increasingly into overseas markets.
Paykel, Maurice
Died 19 June 2002
aged 88 years
Serial #45776
Memorial Tree Site Plot 17
Ashes Interred
Preston, Marianne Caughey
Marianne Preston was, along with her first husband William Smith (d. 31 Aug 1912
interred in the same plot) and brother Andrew Caughey, the founder of the famous Auckland department store Smith and Caughey. On her arrival in Auckland from Ireland in 1879 she opened Smith’s Cheap Drapery Warehouse. Her husband worked for another draper until 1881 when, presumably because she had the business sufficiently established, he joined in partnership with her.
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Marianne showed considerable business acumen perhaps illustrated by both her awareness of the need for affordable goods (still a common theme in New Zealand retailing), her service for rural customers and especially her Maori client base that she grew using newspaper advertising in the Maori language to promote her goods. Any one of these three would have been a considerable innovation; to do all three suggests a rare talent for entrepreneurship. As the business grew and moved to its Queen Street premises Marianne established direct buying relationships with her supplies thus improving and shortening the supply chain.
Smith and Caughey was constituted as a limited liability company in 1900 with Marianne as one of eight shareholders. She became a Director in 1916, four years after her first husband died. She remained on the Board until she died in 1938. Marianne was remarried to Rev. Raymond Preston in 1932. The bride was 81 and the groom a sprightly 71 years. Marianne in her various guises was an extremely active philanthropist and gave generously to many charities and institutions that still benefit from her far-sightedness and aptitude for business.
Smith and Caughey was constituted as a limited liability company in 1900 with Marianne as one of eight shareholders. She became a Director in 1916, four years after her first husband died. She remained on the Board until she died in 1938. Marianne was remarried to Rev. Raymond Preston in 1932. The bride was 81 and the groom a sprightly 71 years. Marianne in her various guises was an extremely active philanthropist and gave generously to many charities and institutions that still benefit from her far-sightedness and aptitude for business.
Preston, Marianne Caughey
Died 01 Sep 1938
aged 87 years
Block E Row 32 Plot 5
Purchas, (Dr) Arthur Guyon
Arthur Purchas was a British qualified medical doctor. He volunteered as a medical missionary after hearing of Bishop Selwyn’s Australasian work for the Church. He was initially medical officer at St Johns theological college, becoming a priest following his ordination in 1853.
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He served, initially as deacon and later as priest at St Peter’s in Onehunga from 1847 until 1875 when he resumed his medical practice. Dr Purchas had a keen interest in music for as well as conducting singing lessons he is credited with compiling the New Zealand Church Hymnal. His interest in architecture saw him involved in the design of the ‘Selwyn Churches’.
These were an adaption of the standard design for parish churches mandated from England. It is believed that several New Zealand churches, including St Peter’s at Onehunga were designed or built to modifications proposed by Dr Purchas. Clearly an inventive and adaptable man, Dr Purchas is credited with the design of a machine for the processing of flax (then a major crop in New Zealand) and also a surgical instrument. However, it is the churches that have left their mark on the New Zealand landscape.
These were an adaption of the standard design for parish churches mandated from England. It is believed that several New Zealand churches, including St Peter’s at Onehunga were designed or built to modifications proposed by Dr Purchas. Clearly an inventive and adaptable man, Dr Purchas is credited with the design of a machine for the processing of flax (then a major crop in New Zealand) and also a surgical instrument. However, it is the churches that have left their mark on the New Zealand landscape.
Purchas, (Dr) Arthur Guyon
Died 29 May 1906
aged 84 years
Block D Row 22 Plot 83
Roberton, Cora Beattie
Cora Roberton nee Anderson had a distinguished career as a nurse having survived the ‘Elingamite’ disaster of 1902.
The passenger steamer Elingamite had been returning from Sydney to Auckland when in dense fog 35 miles north of Cape Reinga it struck rocks. On board were 136 passengers and 58 crew of whom 28 passengers and 17 of the crew died from drowning or exposure.
The passenger steamer Elingamite had been returning from Sydney to Auckland when in dense fog 35 miles north of Cape Reinga it struck rocks. On board were 136 passengers and 58 crew of whom 28 passengers and 17 of the crew died from drowning or exposure.
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Cora who was 21 years old was on the last lifeboat with her brother-in-law Dr Robert Beattie who was Medical Superintendent of the Auckland Lunatic Asylum (Carrington/Oakley Hospital). After war broke out in August 1914, Cora was one of the first selected for the contingent of 50 nurses to be sent for service under the direction of the British War Office. On August 13, 1915 Cora wrote to her brother "We are right in the thick of things, wounded and sick coming in faster than we can take them.
Roberton, Cora Beattie
Died 24 Sep 1962
aged 81 years
Serial #22817
Block M Row 18 Plot 66
Robertson, Carrick Hay
Carrick Hey Robertson was graduated in medicine from the University of London in 1902. From 1907 to 1912 Robertson was medical superintendent at Waihi Hospital. He then moved to Auckland where he set up in private practice and was appointed an honorary surgeon to Auckland Hospital
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An outstanding operator of near flawless surgical technique, Robertson remained a general surgeon throughout his career. He gained a worldwide reputation for surgery for goitre, which was then a common complaint in New Zealand, and was a local pioneer of brain surgery. In 1927 he performed, with the help of Dr Casement Aickin, what was probably the first heart operation in New Zealand in an attempt to save the life of a patient, who had developed severe complications following an acute ear infection.
The patient survived the operation but succumbed within days. In his chosen field of surgery he was brilliant and innovative, advancing the techniques of standard operations, such as thyroid surgery, and was always ready to develop new procedures, as in brain and heart surgery. He was a superb surgical teacher and, as a consultant, his opinion was widely sought.’
The patient survived the operation but succumbed within days. In his chosen field of surgery he was brilliant and innovative, advancing the techniques of standard operations, such as thyroid surgery, and was always ready to develop new procedures, as in brain and heart surgery. He was a superb surgical teacher and, as a consultant, his opinion was widely sought.’
Robertson, Carrick Hay
Died 14 July 1963
aged 83 years
Serial #23302
Block J Row 2 Plot 24
William Sanders
William Sanders was born in Auckland on 7 February 1883. He grew up in Takapuna where his father dug Kauri Gum and ran a cobbling business. Sanders took a job as a cabin boy when he was 15 and spent the next 16 years on a variety of merchant ships rising to master by 1915. Sanders spent a year on the Government steamer NZGSS Hinemoa, which was used to supply lighthouses, service navigation buoys, and restock and maintain depots for castaways on the remote sub-Antarctic islands.
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With the outbreak of WW1 Sanders applied for the Royal Navy Reserve, but was not called up so instead worked as an officer on the troopships transporting New Zealand soldiers to the Middle East and England. In April 1916, Sanders was in London and had been selected for training as a Sub-Lieutenant with the Royal Navy Reserve. Some time was spent on mine-sweepers in the English Channel until September, when Sanders was appointed as second in command aboard the Q-ship HMS Helgoland, under fellow New Zealander Lieutenant A.D. Blair.
Q-ships were an anti-submarine decoy operation developed by the Royal Navy during the war. Seemingly unarmed merchant ships were used to lure German submarines near to the Q-ship. Ruses used included a ‘panic party’ - a group of men who would take to the ship’s boats apparently abandoning the vessel, and the generation of smoke to give the impression that the ship was on fire. Once the submarine had closed near to the ship, screens hiding heavy guns were dropped and the guns opened fire on the submarine.
The Helgoland participated in two battles with German Submarines while Sanders was aboard, in September and October 1916.
Sanders was given command of a Q-ship in April 1917 – the topsail schooner HMS First Prize – and it did not take long before Sanders and his crew were engaged with the enemy. On 30 April the Prize encountered a U-boat off south-west Ireland. U-93 opened fire, and during 25 minutes of intense shelling, the Prize waited for the submarine to close. Sanders remained calm throughout the bombardment, crawling along the ship to reassure the crew. The concealed crew then fired on the submarine, destroying its conning tower. U-93 was last seen on fire and sinking; only three of the complement were rescued. For this action Sanders was awarded the Victoria Cross and promoted to lieutenant commander. It was not realised that U-93 had been brought under control by the surviving crew and returned to Germany.
In June, the Prize encountered another U-boat and during this fight Sanders was wounded in the arm, the Prize suffered significant damage being hit by 30 shells from the German boat. Once again though, both vessels were able to return to their home waters, the Germans providing a full description of the Prize and her Q-ship tactics. Sanders received the DSO for his part in this action.
Sanders and the Prize were lost on the ship’s fourth patrol in August 1917. Encountering U-48, whose Captain appears to have been aware that the Prize was acting as a decoy, Prize was stalked and torpedoed during the early hours of the morning of 14 August. She went down with all hands.
Sources: Sources. Grant Howard, “Gunner Billy”, Devonport, Auckland: The Navy Museum, 2007.
http://navymuseum.co.nz/worldwar1/people/lieutenant-commander-william-edward-sanders/
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/sanders-lieutenant-commander-william-edward-vc-dso-rnr
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/3s2/sanders-william-edward
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Edward_Sanders
Q-ships were an anti-submarine decoy operation developed by the Royal Navy during the war. Seemingly unarmed merchant ships were used to lure German submarines near to the Q-ship. Ruses used included a ‘panic party’ - a group of men who would take to the ship’s boats apparently abandoning the vessel, and the generation of smoke to give the impression that the ship was on fire. Once the submarine had closed near to the ship, screens hiding heavy guns were dropped and the guns opened fire on the submarine.
The Helgoland participated in two battles with German Submarines while Sanders was aboard, in September and October 1916.
Sanders was given command of a Q-ship in April 1917 – the topsail schooner HMS First Prize – and it did not take long before Sanders and his crew were engaged with the enemy. On 30 April the Prize encountered a U-boat off south-west Ireland. U-93 opened fire, and during 25 minutes of intense shelling, the Prize waited for the submarine to close. Sanders remained calm throughout the bombardment, crawling along the ship to reassure the crew. The concealed crew then fired on the submarine, destroying its conning tower. U-93 was last seen on fire and sinking; only three of the complement were rescued. For this action Sanders was awarded the Victoria Cross and promoted to lieutenant commander. It was not realised that U-93 had been brought under control by the surviving crew and returned to Germany.
In June, the Prize encountered another U-boat and during this fight Sanders was wounded in the arm, the Prize suffered significant damage being hit by 30 shells from the German boat. Once again though, both vessels were able to return to their home waters, the Germans providing a full description of the Prize and her Q-ship tactics. Sanders received the DSO for his part in this action.
Sanders and the Prize were lost on the ship’s fourth patrol in August 1917. Encountering U-48, whose Captain appears to have been aware that the Prize was acting as a decoy, Prize was stalked and torpedoed during the early hours of the morning of 14 August. She went down with all hands.
Sources: Sources. Grant Howard, “Gunner Billy”, Devonport, Auckland: The Navy Museum, 2007.
http://navymuseum.co.nz/worldwar1/people/lieutenant-commander-william-edward-sanders/
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/sanders-lieutenant-commander-william-edward-vc-dso-rnr
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/3s2/sanders-william-edward
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Edward_Sanders
William Sanders
Died 14 August 1917
aged 34 years
Block F Row 44 Plot 221
Sir Ronald Ormiston Sinclair
Chief Justice and President of the East African Court of Appeal.
Sir Ronald Sinclair was born at Auckland, New Zealand, on 2 May 1903. He was educated at Christchurch and New Plymouth Boys' High Schools and was admitted barrister at law, Middle Temple, London, and barrister of the Supreme Court, New Zealand.
Sir Ronald Sinclair was born at Auckland, New Zealand, on 2 May 1903. He was educated at Christchurch and New Plymouth Boys' High Schools and was admitted barrister at law, Middle Temple, London, and barrister of the Supreme Court, New Zealand.
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In 1931 he went to Nigeria as Acting District Officer, and became a Magistrate in 1936. Two years later he was posted to Northern Rhodesia as Resident Magistrate. He was appointed Puisne Judge in Tanganyika in 1946 and went to Nyasaland as Chief Justice in 1953. From 1955 to 1957 Sir Ronald was Vice-President of the East African Court of Appeal. In the latter year he became Chief Justice of Kenya and in 1962 he was appointed President of the East African Court of Appeal. Sir Ronald was knighted in 1956.
Sir Ronald Ormiston Sinclair
Died 18 Nov 1996
aged 93 years
Serial# 43028
Block Y Row 10 Plot 89
Sir Thomas (Tom) Skinner
Skinner was President of the Federation of Labour (the umbrella organisation of New Zealand Trade Unions) in a period when the inalienable rightness of unionism went largely unchallenged and strikes were a habit rather than an exception. Skinner build a firm political base within the Union movement when he emerged from the 1951 waterfront dispute as a leader who could rebuild a credible union presence.
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In his own way both conservative and a constraint on his own more radical members, Skinner held the F.O.L. organisation in his firm grasp from 1963 when he first became its President until 1979. At the time the 'red threat' and the fear of communist domination could still arouse concern so Skinner’s leadership was seen as reasonable and moderate alongside his more radical colleagues who were challenging the old order of compulsory industrial managed based on conciliation and arbitration. Although compulsory unionism diluted the more radical leftish views, the Federation under Skinner's leadership was forced to defend disruptive and petty workplace practices that ultimately undermined public support for universal unionism.
Skinner presented as a moderate and reasonable compromising force who worked surprisingly well with the predominantly conservative Governments with whom he was often negotiating to resolve industrial disputes. Ironically it was much later under a Labour Party administration that a role for central Government in dispute resolution was eventually rejected. F.O.L. Influence in wage setting and price fixing increasingly diminished after the 1984 defeat of the National (conservative) Government led by Muldoon and the influence of organised unionism in New Zealand faded until a later National Government finally abolished compulsory unionism.
Skinner presented as a moderate and reasonable compromising force who worked surprisingly well with the predominantly conservative Governments with whom he was often negotiating to resolve industrial disputes. Ironically it was much later under a Labour Party administration that a role for central Government in dispute resolution was eventually rejected. F.O.L. Influence in wage setting and price fixing increasingly diminished after the 1984 defeat of the National (conservative) Government led by Muldoon and the influence of organised unionism in New Zealand faded until a later National Government finally abolished compulsory unionism.
Sir Thomas (Tom) Skinner
Died 11 Nov 1991
aged 82 years
Block Y Row 6 Plot 21
Tibbs, James William
James Tibbs was an educator who for nearly thirty years was headmaster of Auckland Grammar School. The school still has the reputation of one of New Zealand’s best secondary schools. Although Australian born, Tibbs was educated in England gaining an M.A. at Oxford in 1883. After graduation James and his wife moved to Tasmania where James was a mathematics teacher before emigrating to New Zealand in 1885 to teach at Auckland Grammar.
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Tibbs, James William
He was appointed headmaster (principal) in 1893. Auckland Grammar was co-educational and state endowed. It was under the leadership of Tibb’s that the school’s reputation for academic excellence was developed. The emphasis was on developing pupils for university study and so under Tibb’s there was resistance to both free-placement of pupils and to vocational and technical training within the grammar school environment.
Tibb’s particularly valued the autonomy the headmaster traditionally had and so he was not amenable to any loss of control, particularly over staffing but also in complying with Government’s statutory involvement in education. One major change during Tibb’s tenure was the abandonment of co-education and the development of gender separated schools. James Tibbs was also active in public life and received the CMG in recognition of his service.
Tibb’s particularly valued the autonomy the headmaster traditionally had and so he was not amenable to any loss of control, particularly over staffing but also in complying with Government’s statutory involvement in education. One major change during Tibb’s tenure was the abandonment of co-education and the development of gender separated schools. James Tibbs was also active in public life and received the CMG in recognition of his service.
Tibbs, James William
Died 17 Feb1924
aged 69 years
Block D Row 31 Plot 63
Turner, Sir Harvey
Harvey Turner was born on 11 September 1889. He left school at 12 to help his father and two older brothers in business. He looked after the accounts and became the firm's first typist, and a few years later, despite his quiet voice, began auctioneering. At 21 he began travelling to Sydney and the Pacific islands to negotiate with fruit growers.
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Turner, Sir Harvey
In 1912 Harvey and three brothers bought out their father's business, retaining the name E. Turner and Sons. When the Auckland Provincial Fruitgrowers' Co-operative Society was liquidated in 1919, the brothers saw an opportunity to pre-empt grower co-operatives setting up as rivals to merchants. In 1920 they enlisted growers in a new co-operative company, Turners and Growers, which combined grower shareholders and the Turner auctioneers.
Turner was managing director of the company from 1920 to 1962, and chairman of directors from 1934 to 1969. An astute businessman, Turner was quick to seize on new opportunities as Auckland's population burgeoned in the inter-war years. In 1959 Turner and his sons changed the name of Chinese gooseberries to kiwifruit to market them in the United States, and in 1962 the company sent New Zealand's first shipment of onions to Japan; both initiatives brought an enormous growth in New Zealand's horticultural export earnings, and kiwifruit growing became a world-wide industry.
Turner was managing director of the company from 1920 to 1962, and chairman of directors from 1934 to 1969. An astute businessman, Turner was quick to seize on new opportunities as Auckland's population burgeoned in the inter-war years. In 1959 Turner and his sons changed the name of Chinese gooseberries to kiwifruit to market them in the United States, and in 1962 the company sent New Zealand's first shipment of onions to Japan; both initiatives brought an enormous growth in New Zealand's horticultural export earnings, and kiwifruit growing became a world-wide industry.
Turner, Sir Harvey
Died 31 Dec 1983
aged 94 years
Serial# 35263
Block M Row 42 Plot 45
Whineray, (Sir) Wilson James
Wilson Whineray was Captain of the All Blacks during a period when the game was fiercely defended as strictly amateur as both a matter of individual pride and as a totemic representation of New Zealand society.
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Whineray, (Sir) Wilson James
Amateur rugby careers were physically demanding and tended to be necessarily short so Whineray’s playing stint from 1957-65 was considered lengthy for the times. He played alongside other greats such as Colin Meads and Kel Tremain, reinforcing the aura that surrounded the All Blacks. The amateur game was taken as symbolic of New Zealand.
It allowed expression of the rugged independence of the kiwi bloke who persisted in the face of adversity, was individually brilliant without ‘skiting’ or showing off (a score was never celebrated in the fashion of a soccer goal) yet participated within a team environment that had with positions suited to all physical shapes and abilities. Lawyers and doctors mixed on the field with drainlayers and labourers. Wilson was a prop – the position of muscle and brawn – yet he progressed to a successful business career as both a company manager and director.
In keeping with the rugby ethos, he served in administrative positions within the game after his playing days were over where his leadership skills and sporting prowess enhanced his mana as a New Zealand hero.
It allowed expression of the rugged independence of the kiwi bloke who persisted in the face of adversity, was individually brilliant without ‘skiting’ or showing off (a score was never celebrated in the fashion of a soccer goal) yet participated within a team environment that had with positions suited to all physical shapes and abilities. Lawyers and doctors mixed on the field with drainlayers and labourers. Wilson was a prop – the position of muscle and brawn – yet he progressed to a successful business career as both a company manager and director.
In keeping with the rugby ethos, he served in administrative positions within the game after his playing days were over where his leadership skills and sporting prowess enhanced his mana as a New Zealand hero.
Whineray, (Sir) Wilson James
Died 22 Oct 2012
aged 77 years
Block V Row 10 Plot 51
Woodhouse, (Sir) Arthur Owen
Sir Owen (as he was known) was the architect of the New Zealand Accident Compensation Scheme (ACC). Sir Owen served during World War II as a Motor Torpedo Boat commander. He had many legendary exploits of bravery and initiative associated with his service for which he was awarded the DSC.
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Woodhouse, (Sir) Arthur Owen
Within the legal profession, Sir Owen rose to become President of the Court of Appeal, then New Zealand’s highest judicial office. Woodhouse chaired the Royal Commission (1966-67) that, in a revolutionary piece of conceptual thinking, proposed a scheme that removed the element of fault from compensation for injury. For those whose only experience of accident compensation has been to obtain compensation through a link to fault, as it was in New Zealand prior to ACC, this was a unique way of dealing with an expensive and litigious process that could delay resolving and then rectifying the injury for years.
Although ACC was never implemented exactly as Sir Owen had designed it, it was nonetheless an outstanding template that also attracted interest in Australia. One shortcoming in the scheme as it was implemented in New Zealand was the absence of coverage for sickness-related health issues. Although later recommended by Woodhouse this was never implemented and it became a frequently tested boundary as, for example, when claims of medical misadventure were pursued as accident-related rather than due to illness in order to gain compensation.
Although ACC was never implemented exactly as Sir Owen had designed it, it was nonetheless an outstanding template that also attracted interest in Australia. One shortcoming in the scheme as it was implemented in New Zealand was the absence of coverage for sickness-related health issues. Although later recommended by Woodhouse this was never implemented and it became a frequently tested boundary as, for example, when claims of medical misadventure were pursued as accident-related rather than due to illness in order to gain compensation.
Woodhouse, (Sir) Arthur Owen
Died 15 April 2014
aged 97 years
Block E Row 59 Plot 65