80 YEARS IN AUCKLAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 121, 12 August 1927, Page 16

80 YEARS IN AUCKLAND

MR. F. S. SHEPHERD DEAD Mr. F. S. Shepherd, who was born in New Plymouth 82 years ago, died at his home at Te Atatu on Wednesday. He was the second son of the late Mr. John Shepherd, one of the earliest white settlers in Taranaki. When Mr. Shepherd was four years of age the family came to the Auckland Province and he had lived here ever since. In 1563 he joined the militia and took part in the Maori Wars. Participating in the rush to the Thames goldfields, Mr. Shepherd was one of the first amalgamators of the Caledonian mine, then one of the richest workings in the world. Returning to Auckland after six years at Thames he lived in the Mount Eden district for 35 years, later taking up his residence at Te Atatu. The attempt by the Maoris to take Auckland, then a village, in 1851, was witnessed by Mr. Shepherd and his brother, the late Mr. H. M. Shepherd, who died on July 26, at the age of S 3. Mr. Shepherd was one of the oldest Manchester Unity Oddfellows in New Zealand, joining the lodge in New Plymouth in 1566. During his residence at Thames he was one of the promoters of the Loyal Waikato Lodge, of which he was the first vice-grand, afterwards passing on to higher rank. When he settled in Auckland he became associated with the Fountain of Friendship Lodge and held several offices. Mr. Shepherd and Mrs. Shepherd, who is 80 years of age, celebrated their diamond wedding on January 2 last. Mr. Shepherd is survived by his wife and a family of nine. The interment took place at Waikumete to-day.