THE LATE MR ALFRED BUCKLAND.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 693, 18 June 1903, Page 18

THE LATE MR ALFRED BUCKLAND.

A very old landmark in the history of Auckland has been removed by the death of Mr Alfred Buckland, head and founder of the firm of Alfred Buckland and Sons, auctioneers, and stock and station agents. The firm has been carrying on the principal business in their line ever since the necessity for such an enterprise existed, and the senior partner has been at the ( helm from the first day, half-a-cehtury j ago, until, virtually, the day ui his death. The story of, Mr Bucklands life and business would form no very incomplete record of the history of the settlement of the Province, and the origin and 1 growth of many of our institutions. Mr | Budkland was not a public man, but he took an active interest in all commercial affairs, banking, insurance, shipping, ana mining, and found his recreation in the larger forms of sporb., He was a successful breeder of racing stock, and. in somewhat earlier days his colours were conspicuous at local race meetings. His interest in the turf was always keen, and he gave up a large amount of time that could ill be spared to matters affecting the management. He was President of the Auckland Racing Club, and filled the post of steward for a long succession of years, his name and presence being, with that of others,* a guarantee of the purity of local turf affairs. He was also a staunch supporter of the hunt. Tn conjunction with the late Mr Every Maclean, he laid the foundation of the Pakuranga pack. He was President of the Hunt Club until a short time ago, and never relaxed the keen interest he manifested in its welfare. The natural infirmities of advancing years constrained him to withdraw of late from active participation in sports, but his valuable advice was- often sought and obtained by those who had taken his place. Mr Buckland will live in the memory of all who love sport for ' its wholesome and humanising qualities, while a wider circle will remember him as a fine type of citizen and pioneer colonist.