John Gaukrodger

Mr John Gaukrodger
born 1835 Halifax, Yorkshire, England
arrived New Zealand on the "Indus"

sailed Gravesend 1st October 1842 - arrived Nelson 5th February 1843

married 21 July 1864 St St Paul's Church, Spring Grove
died 27 May 1910 Foxhill, Nelson, New Zealand



John Gaukrodger by Tyree, Nelson.
Reverse inscription - "John Gaukrodger, Foxhill. Died May 27th 1910, 74 years. Anne. Died Sept 17th 1884. 39 years."

Colonist, Volume VII, Issue 703, 22 July 1864, Page 2

John Gaukrodger's house at Foxhill

Photograph kindly loaned from Steven Vergeest

Obituary.

Ashburton residents of over twenty years' standing will regret to hear of the death of Mr John Gaukrodger, which occurred at Foxhill, near Nelson, on May 27th.

A little over twenty years ago, Mr Gaukrodger purchased property on Winter's road, Allenton, and lived in his residence, near Cambridge's Corner, for several years. While in Ashburton Mr Gaukrodger made many friends on account of his quiet and unassuming disposition. Born at Halifax, Yorkshire, England, in 1835 , Mr Gaukrodger arrived in New Zealand in the ship Indus in 1843, and subsequently settled at Foxhill, in the Nelson province till 1858. He then visited Australia, and on his return to New Zealand took up property in Ashburton.

Mr Gaukrodger has lived for several years in retirement at Foxhill, where he was a prominent member of the Nelson Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

He was 75 years of age at the time of his death, and was therefore a colonist of 67 years' standing.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXI, Issue 8074, 2 June 1910, Page 3

Obituary.

(From "The Colonist," May 28.) It is with deep regret that we have to record the death of a highly respected resident of the Waimeas, in the person of Mr John Gaukrodger, who passed away at his residence, Foxhill, yesterday. Some time ago Mr Gaukrodger was stricken with a severe illness, and grave doubts were entertained as to his recovery. However possessed of a strong constitution and indomitable spirit, he pulled through, and was well enough to come into town.

On his return to Foxhill a little over a month ago, Mr Gaukrodger was again taken seriously ill, and ever rose from his bed, passing peacefully away as stated.

Born at Halifax, Yorkshire, England, in 1835, the late Mr Gaukrodger came to New Zealand in the ship Indus in 1843. In 1844 he went to Foxhill, and remained there until 1858, when he left for Australia. He was the champion shearer of Australasia, and put up the record of 222 sheep in eight hours at Callan-Doon station, on the borders of New South Wales and Queensland, which record hold good until quite recently.

On his return to New Zealand he spent twelve years in different parts, chiefly Canterbury, and finally settled at Foxhill, where he kept the well-known hostelry, the Foxhill Inn, for 30 years. He left the hotel some years ago, and lived in retirement at Foxhill until his death. He was a keen lover of horses, and a capable judge, and frequently officiated in this capacity at agricultural shows.

For many years he was a member of the General Committee of the Nelson Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and also a member of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, his advice to the latter body on all matters pertaining to the welfare of dumb animals being valued and appreciated. He was a widower, his wife having predeceased him many years ago, and seven sons survive, six of whom live in Australia. The funeral will take place to-morrow afternoon at one o'clock.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12808, 1 June 1910, Page 1

Funeral.

The funeral of the late Mr John Gaukrodger, of Foxhill, took place on Sunday, the remains being interred in St. Paul's churchyard, Brightwater. The Ven. Archdeacon Baker conducted the burial service.

The funeral was very largely attended, the cortege being upwards of half a mile in length, which showed the respect and esteem in which deceased was held. The family are scattered in different parts of Australia and New Zealand, and the youngest son, Mr F. Gaukrodger, was the only one able to attend the funeral.

Messages of condolence were received from all parts of the Dominion, including one from Hon. R. McKenzie, Minister for Public Works, who for many years made his home with the late Mr. Gaukrodger at the Foxhill Hotel.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12807, 31 May 1910, Page 2

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12828, 25 June 1910, Page 4

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 13013, 31 January 1911, Page 4

David William Gaukrodger

Mr. David W. Gaukrodger, a prominent Queensland pastoralist of Westhill, near Blackall, died at a private hospital in Brisbane on August 3, after a long illness. The late Mr. Gaukrodger, who was 63 years of age, arrived in Australia from New Zealand when a young man, and engaged in (pastoral pursuits. He managed several properties in New South Wales.

The Brisbane Courier, 7 August 1933, page 15.

MR. D. W. GAUKRODGER
Death In Brisbane

Representatives of many large business and pastoralist interests in Brisbane paid last tribute to the memory of Mr. David W. Gaukrodger, a well known grazier, formerly of Westhill, near Blackall, on Saturday. Mr. Gaukrodger died in a private hospital in Brisbane, at the age of 68 years last Thursday, and the funeral moved on Saturday to the Toowong Cemetery.

Mr. Gaukrodger came from New Zealand as a young man, and engaged in pastoral pursuits. He was manager for a time for the Australian Estates and Mortgage Co., Ltd., on some of their station properties in New South Wales. About 1890 he came to Queensland as manager of Katandra station, near Hughenden, and later acted as manager of Terrick Terrick station, and Saltern Creek, near Barcaldine. He then went to Alice Downs station, which he managed for the late Mr. A. H. Whittingham for 16 years. While he was at Alice Downs he and Mr Whittingham became partners as the owners of Lancevale and other holdings in the Blackall district, and carried on as partners for some years.

Mr. Gaukrodger continued to carry on, the Westhill grating property after the partnership was dissolved up to the time of his death. He went to reside in Brisbane about 1926, and purchased the late Mr. Justice M'Cawley's residence in Windermere road. He became a director of the Union Trustee Co. of Australia, Ltd., in 1927, and was on the board at the time of his death. He was a member of the Queensland Club.

Mr. Gaukrodger was a recognised authority on birds and bird life, and wrote many articles on the subject. His photographs of birds have appeared in many journals, and have been regarded as exceptionally good.

Amongst those who attended the funeral on Saturday were Sir W. Glasgow, Sir Donald Cameron, Messrs. A. D. Walsh (of the board of Union Trustees, Ltd., and manager of Dalgety.and Co., Ltd.). Charles Stewart (manager of Union Trustees, Ltd.), C. M. Pegler (Blackall), George Evans (Blackall), R. J. M'Cullough, J. M. G. Buchanan, A. M. Murdoch (representing the Australian Mercantile, Land, and Finance Co., Ltd.), J. M. Fegan (Queensland Primary Producers' Cooperative Association Ltd.), Dr. J. M'Killop, C. Gallagher, C. Isles, C. W. Mitchell, M. Ryan and D. M. Forster.

The Morning Bulletin, Rockhampton, Monday August 7, 1933, page 4.