PASSING OF THE PIONEER.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 35, 9 February 1917, Page 4

PASSING OF THE PIONEER.

MB F***U_**— PHI—_*"•?"PS. SIXTY-THREE YEARS' RESIDENT. The narrowing circle of early residents of Auckland has been further decreased by the death of Mr. Frank Phillipps, who in bygone years took a prominent part in the public life of this city. He had attained the age of 79 years, of which lengthy life all but fifteen were passed in Auckland. During that time Mr. Phillipps established a reputation for sterling worth, and thoroughness in all he -undertook, which made him highly esteemed by all who knew him. The death took place on Sunday at deceased's residence, Gadshill, Dominion Road, and the interment was private. Mr. Phillipps was born in Birmingham, and when a lad of fifteen came to New Zealand with his parents, arriving in Auckland in 1854. The firm of W. Phillipps and Son was founded the same year, being one of the earliest businesses started in Auckland, which has still continued to the present day, under the name of Phillipps and Impey. Mr. Frank Phillipps was associated with his father and brother, the late Mr. John Phillipps, in tbe running of this business for many years. During the Waikato War Mr. Frank Phillipps saw service under the late Capt. J. McCosh Clark, as a sergeant in tee Auckland Volunteers, and was the proud possessor of a war medal. It is interesting to note at the present tame, that this particular company is stated to be the first lot of volunteers to see active service in the British Empire. In mid-life Mr. Frank Phillipps took an active part in local affairs. He was: for ten years a valuable member of the 1 Auckland City Council, and represented that body on the Harbour Board for a long period. As senior councillor, Mr. Phillipps might have had the mayoral chair had he not declined the honour offered him. It was during Mr. Phillipps* term of office in the Council that, the Public Library and Art Gallery were built, and he was also a member of the Harbour Board when the Calliope Dock was constructed. Mr. Phillipps married a daughter of the late Mr. Henry Wliite, one of the earliest builders and contractors in Auckland, and in this connection it is interesting to recall that it was Mr. White who erected the old wind—ill in Symonds Street, also Firth's Mill, Queen Street, now H. M. Smeeton'a, Ltd., and the Wesleyan Church in High Street, now tbe Deeds Office. Mr. Phillipps was an active member of that church, and subsequently was associated with the iPitt Street Methodist Church for many yeans. Of late years he has lived retired. Mrs. Phillipps, who survives her husband, i* herself one of the earliest born residents of this city at present living. There are three eons, viz., Mr. W. G. Phillipps, of Matangi, Waikato; Mr. H. R-, and Mr. C. P. Phillipps, of the PMUipps and Impey Co., Ltd., Queen Street. The daughters are: Mesdames A. H. White, Mrs. A. E. Gilbert, Mrs. J. M. Phillipps, all of this city; and the Misses Phillipps, also of Auckland.