Memoir of Allan and Richard Cunningham.

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 12, 1879, Page 459

The Honorary Secretary gave “an outline memoir of the two brothers Allan and Richard Cunningham, who were both early botanists and discoverers in New Zealand, and whose names are intimately bound up with the Flora of this Colony, as well as with that of the neighbouring Australian Colonies. This narration was supplemented by extracts from Mr. Allan Cunningham's letters to Mr. Colenso, and by a few prominent characteristic passages concerning the two brothers, from botanical and other works little known in New Zealand, and also by portraits of the two unfortunate brothers, who may truly be said to have been martyrs to their favourite science—botany.” From among the many reasons which prevailed with Mr. Colenso to bring this subject before the meeting, the following (mentioned by him) may be particularly noticed:—(1.) The two Cunninghams forming a connecting scientific link in the New Zealand field with those scientific men who accompanied Cook hither on his expeditions; both the Cunninghams having been well-known to Sir Joseph Banks, through whom they also individually received their respective appointments as Government Botanists to New South Wales. (2.) Mr. Colenso's personal knowledge of, and intimate friendship with, the lamented Allan Cunningham. And (3.) Their many striking discoveries in New Zealand at an early date, which deserve being duly remembered. Fifth Meeting. 4th September, 1879. The Right Rev. the Bishop of Waiapu, President, in the chair. 1. “A few Remarks on a Cavern near ‘Cook's Well,’ at Tolaga Bay, and on a Tree (Sapota costata) found there,” by W. Colenso, F.L.S. (Transactions, p. 147). Several botanical and other specimens were exhibited.