Notes

[NI014]

Mr. John I. Philips, now residing in England, is a son of the late Mr. P. A. Philips, who left his home in Sussex soon after 1850 and was one of the original settlers in Auckland, New Zealand. Mr. John I. Philips was born in that country in 1861. There Mr. Philips's father became very interested in politics, being a confrere in those days of the late Sir George Grey, and knowing many Governors who came from England to New Zealand, and returned there from. He was a member of the first original Legislative Council, and in later years became the first Mayor of the City of Auckland. Mr. John I. Philips was educated at the High School and finished his education at the Auckland College and Grammar School, which he left before the age of fifteen. He entered an open competitive examination for the New Zealand Civil Service and passed very highly. He was appointed to the surveying and exploring branch, and remained in those departments until he was twenty- eight.

He had an interesting and varied life in the service. He was in charge of many Maori districts, and, in fact, was camped within a few miles of Rotorua, in the North Island, when the great eruption which ruined the wonderful "Pink-and-White Terraces" took place. As he spoke the Maori language fluently he was repeatedly engaged on delicate and important missions, arid often, whilst fulfilling his duties, had to face perilous and ugly situations. Mr. Philips lived under canvas for some ten years whilst in the Civil Service of New Zealand, and was in charge of many survey parties endeavouring to carry through a trigonometrical system in an area on the North Island where practically the last trouble with the natives occurred, the district being called the Urewera County.

Shortly after this time Mr. Philips resigned the Civil Service being well compensated by the New Zealand Government for the work he had done. His decision to make this complete change was brought about by the fact that many gold reefs were about this time discovered near Auckland, and a boom, of sorts, having set in, he established the firm of John I. Philips & Co., mining engineers. Within a short period, being one of the most energetic of men, he established a large business, and was employing a big staff, having offices in most, if not all, of the mining centres. Whilst engaged on this work he had the pleasure of making the intimate acquaintance of Sir James Parr and of Mr. Coates, who were then young and active workers like Mr. Philips. and who are now respectively High Commissioner for and Premier of New Zealand.

Unfortunately the gold boom only lasted for a comparatively short time (which is a way " booms " have), most of the veins being " pinched out ' or exhausted. He and many others found themselves in the unenviable position of having large staffs on their hands, heavy overhead expenses. and practically no real work to do. It was just at this juncture that Mr. Philips received a letter from Mr. Betts (a colleague of his in the earlier days in the Civil Service, and who was then in the service of the Federated Malay States) asking him if he would kindly advertise for his Government and procure them two or three good land surveyo

Mr. Philips had but little knowledge of that country: in fact, He had to consult the local library to find out its position and peculiarities. Fever and ague and the running amok of natives appeared to be the predominant features. Having read up the subject extensively, he came to the conclusion that the country offered tremendous prospects to a real hard worker of Colonial experience. He, therefore, promptly cabled to Mr. Betts, and eventually decided to go himself and take two surveyors with him.

He wisely, on the voyage out, continued his studies on stanniferous matters, and learnt to speak the Malay language fluently. Incidentally he was fully qualified, being, of course, a first-class surveyor and having passed through the New Zealand School of Mines, whilst he had made the subject of tin a hobby for some time. He arrived in the Malay States in 1894, and after some six months only in the employ of the Government he decided to go in thoroughly for tin prospecting, as, from careful observation and study, he had become convinced that tin was destined to be one of the most important metals in the world. His first step, before he took any definite action in Malaya, was to approach some friends in England to assure himself that they would handle properly any proposition he entrusted to them. Then, having secured an option for a short period on a large area of land adjoining the Gopeng Hydraulic Tin Mines, then the one and only tin mining company working in the Malay States, he placed this proposition on the English market and it was named the Kinta Tin Mines, Ltd. This company was one of the first which Mr. Philips assisted to place on the market, and it has certainly done credit to its promoter's foresight by paying an annual dividend of about 25 per cent, ever since.

Mr. Philips came to England some fourteen years ago, and is now residing at Ringstead, Oatlands Chase, Weybridge, having also a flat at 39, Roland Gardens, South Kensington. He is still very much interested in his old hobby, and has taken a number of directorships in companies, some of which are doing very well indeed. In early days he formed a small company called F. M .S. Timah, Ltd. (Timah in Malay means tin), of which he is chairman and managing director. With the aid of this company he formed the well-known Kamunting Tin Dredging, Ltd., on which he built one of, if not the first, bucket dredge to be utilised for tin saving in that country. It has four of these dredges working successfully.

Companies of which he is a director are Ampang Tin Dredging, Ltd., Anglo-Dutch East Indies Tin Syndicate, Ltd. British Malayan Tin Syndicate, Ltd. Chenderiang TIn Dredging, Ltd, (Chairman); Eastern Siam Tin Dredging, Ltd., Federation Tin Mines, Ltd., Kamunting Tin Dredging, Ltd. (Chairman), Ranga Tin Syndicate, Ltd. (Chairman), Selayang Tin Dredging, Ltd. and F.M.S. Timah, Ltd, (Chairman an Managing Director). Although he is seriously considering retiring from so many boards, he (always a pioneer) has accepted a seat on the board of Ankole, a new tin venture in the Uganda district.

Apart from tin, Mr. Phillips has large interests in rubber. Naturally he would have, as he was living in the country when the very first rubber boom started. In fact, he and a friend had great difficulty in placing on the English market the now well-known Cicely Rubber Estate, with a nominal capital of L12, 000. He planted up several other large areas of rubber, and is still very' interested, particularly in an estate he planted himself called Ratanui Rubber Estate, of which he is a director, situated not far from Ipoh, F.M.S. He named this estate after a "run" owned by his wife's family' in Waikato, North Island, New Zealand, meaning Big Flat in Maori.

As a sportsman it would be hard to find a more whole-hearted enthusiast than Mr. Philips. In his younger days in New 'Zealand he hunted, as much as his work would permit, with harriers which hunted hares with great regularity. This, with horse racing, remained one of his chief relaxations for many years, and he rode and won many amateur races.

In this connection it is interesting to note the way in which horses cleared wire in the Auckland arid Waikato Hunt Club. It was a very simple matter in those day's, after hanging a coat over the bare wire two or three times, to teach one's horse to jump such fences without covering on them. In fact, in Mr. Philips's time his horses were jumping barbed wire fences with great ease and regularity. He was a well known member of the Auckland and Waikato Clubs; two of his best mounts being called Fisherman and Occola. The way they "fly" their stonewalls and jump "big" in that country would appeal very much to our own hunting men.

Of course, shooting was indulged in to a very great extent. There were plenty of pheasants (imported), whilst wild duck, quail, hares, and occasional deer were no usual bag. The godwit shooting (this bird is called by many a curlew, but is really the English godwit) was splendid sport. A book entitled Kaipara was written on this subject by a great friend (a Mr. Barlow) of Mr. Philips in New Zealand. Mr. Barlow was a great enthusiast on Sport of all kinds, and lived in a place named Matakohe, near where the New Zealand Premier came from. In those good old days the wild pigeon were in "flocks " in the bush and so there was never any want of game shooting in any parts. Of course fishing, which is now one of New Zealand's greatest attractions, was at that period confined mostly to the wonderful schnapper, which were caught by the boatful. It is only in later years that the trout and huge yellow-tail fishing was developed so wonderfully. In his younger days Mr. Philips played a good deal of Rugby football, now almost the national game of New Zealand, and enjoyed the usual amount of cricket, tennis, and rowing.

Early after his arrival in the Federated Malay States Mr. Philips, together with practically the whole of the European population, took up pony racing with great zest. He was president of the Ipoh, F.M.S., Gymkhana Club, now one of the leading sporting institutions of that country, and, of course, was most energetic member of all the other gymkhana clubs. There can be no mistaking the genuine love of sport of those who joined in this form of racing in the Federated Malay States, when we are able to state that they trained and rode their own ponies, and that the only prizes were cups, money- prizes being practically excluded from the sport. In the earlier days, when Mr. Philips was President of the Ipoh Club, the first batch of ponies were Java ponies standing 12 hands 2 inches, and sturdy little animals they were too. They were trained and raced just as though they were thoroughbreds. It did not matter if they took five minutes to do six furlongs; it was a happy owner whose lady led the winning pony in. In later days Australian walers were imported, being 14.2 and under. They were drawn for at the club on arrival, and energetic training commenced on their race courses at daylight every morning. Mr. Philips has ridden and won many races. One of his best ponies, Bill Adams, was almost as well known as his favourite, Kiaora, with which he won cups.

Mr. Philips married a Miss Ethel Buckland, of an old Devonshire family also residing in Auckland, New Zealand. Her father was the very well-known W. F. Buckland, MP. of Waikato, one of the late Mr. Bassey's oldest and dearest friends. Mr. Philips ha one son, James B. Philips aged eighteen, who was born it Ipoh in the Malay States, and educated at Tonbridge School.

Of his two daughters, the elder, Miss Nancy Philips, is now, and has been for several years, ably filling the onerous task of private secretary to her father in his numerous and important undertakings. She accompanied her father some years ago when he made a trip to Australia, where he examined the Tinga Mines for the Owners. This tin mine has been successfully floated on the London market. They then went to New Zealand, where Mr. Philips renewed acquaintance with some of his old and dear friends, returning by Honolulu and Canada. His youngest daughter Miss Denis Philips, is at Church House School, West Worthing, being only fifteen. Mr. Philips is a member of the Sports, Weybridge and Overseas Clubs, Goodwood and Sandown Racing Clubs, St Georges Hill Golf, and many other social clubs, and naturally is a staunch Imperialist.

[NI023] He was educated at Eastboune College ,served in the Boer War returning unharmed and entered the Stock Excange. He again volunteered for the 1914 War and served to the end and returned to the Stock Excange.

[NI128]
A Dictionary of New Zealand Biography.

PHILIPS, Philip Aaron

(1831 1913) was the son of Saul Charles Philips (1795 1882,who died in Auckland). He was born at Brighton, and at the age of 14 went into the office of a wholesale firm in London. In 1848 he came to New Zealand and settled in Auckland. After working in employment for a year, he started as an ironmonger and hardware merchant in Vulcan lane. In 1853 he married Annie Myers (1835 - 1888).
For a quarter of a century Philips did fairly well in business. He took an active interest also in public affairs. He was chairman of the city board of commissioners 1869-71, and succeeded in introducing the municipal corporations act of 1867, under which he became the first Mayor of the city. He was also elected in 1870 to the Provincial Council for Auckland East, which he represented until his resignation in 1875. He was most active during this time in legislation for the benefit of the city, which resulted in securing rich endowments and reserves.
He was chairman also of the city improvement commissioners, did much to amalgamate Ponsonby, Karangahape and Grafton road in the city. He also assisted in the establishment of a free library. He was the representative of the Provincial Council on the education board, a member of the harbour board and president of the Mechanics' Institute. He took an active part in obtaining a market and a water supply for the city. In 1870 he was appointed a justice of the peace, and he also acted as resident magistrate. Meanwhile Philips's business suffered from the depression following the Waikato war and after being mayor (1871 74.) he retired and was appointed town clerk, a position he filled with great success till 1899. He was a prominent freemason and was one of the leaders of the Jewish community and an early president. Philips died on 3 Jun. 1913.

Extract from Ref. Cycl. N.Z., ii (p);
NZ. Jewish Review, 1931; N.Z. Herald, 28
May 1881, 9 Jun 1913; Auckland Star,1913

[NI144] Samuel and George went to Dame School in Streathem as boarders and a number of his letters home survive to show he quite enjoyed his period at school.
At the age of 14 he was put as a clerk into the Stock Exchange where this clear headed lad soon became a member and a very rich man.
Like his father he was a very religious man with low church principles. He strongly objected to Christmas decorations.
He built the Church on the border of his estate in 1886 so that his carriage did not have to be used in Sundays. He also built the Sunday school or known as the Childrens Church where all children of the district seemed to attend.
Coffee houses which had been so much appreciated in London now appeared in the suburbs. Samuel had a Colporteur's stall in Bechenham and later built coffee house in Shortland and Bromley Kent.
In 1800 Lord Farnborough had purchased a sburban villa at the London end of Broley. This he enlarged and for his services to the nation was given acres more land nearer Bromley.Dying he left the estate to his nephew who left it to his nephew who died whilest hunting and the Estate was put on the market in 1879.
It stood emty for 3 years and was purchased but Samuel who modernized it and enlarged it,
He also like his father became a member of the Cooks Co in 1900 continuing a tradition for 125 years.,
In failing health he left the home in 1912 and went to live in London. The house was taken over by the Canadians during the war and later with the help of his son Percy was converted into a Hotel.

[NI148] Margaret wanted to become a missionary but changed her mind and went to America to study Osteopathy and returned to London as most brilliant Doctor of Osteopathy.

[NI149] She also wishe dto become a missionary and decoted her life to mission work among children.

[NI150] He was educated at Eastbourne College , entered the stock exchange and served in the First World War.

[NI153] Lillian wrote and published 7 books on the Family, they are :

Under 37 Kings Accepted by King George V.
Battle Abbey under 39 Kings- accepted by Queen Mary.
Love Smugglers of Naval Hereos.
The Church of St, Mary, The Virgin,Battle.
Legends and Echoes of Cranbrook.
Legends and Echoes of Bromley, Kent-accepted by Queen Elizabeth II
Echoes of the good and fallen Angles De Cawston,Norfolk

[NI155] The youngest son was the most brilliant . Educated at a small school at Eastboune, he went to Ramsgate College until old enough to go to CaiusCollege Cambridge to study medicine.
He took his M.D. at St Thomas Hospital, London. He first practised in South Africa where in due course he won the B,Chir.,F.Z.S.,M.R.C.S.,R.C.P.,and F.R.C.S.
Unfortuneatly he became quite deaf and could no longer do surgery and he apent time in research and became a great authority on the Bilharzia scourge.
His wife spend a lot of time with the Blind afrikans and founded the Bantu Instutite for the Blind in Durban S.A.

[NI157] He was educated at Eastboune College and went on to Pembroke College,Cambridge,1898. His son Tony also went in 1943.

[NI158] He built the Church of the Resurrection at Streatham and with his wife Rosa did much to help the poor of the district..
His daughter Rosa was certainly against anything high church and would not put money in the Church bag in case it was used for candles. She was a wonderful needle woman and used her art to help Church bazaars and later made hundreds of pairs of woollen Cuffs for the cab-drivers of London. Her younger sister Mary, was also given to charity work and in her life made and collected over 8000 garments for the Carlyle Fund for the poor of London.

[NI161] Worked hard at Dames School in Streatham and went on to take the Law Examinations and became a Barrister at Law. he went to South Africa and as a friend of Cecil Rhodes became very rich and returned to England and bought the Manor of Cawstons in Norfolk which he modernised and added a wing to the house. This was for the use of his son Cecil Faulkner but he was killed in the Boer War in 1901.
There is a memorial in Norwich Cathedral for Cecil Cawston which reads "Cecil Faulkner Cawston Liet. 18th Hussars died of wounds at Roodesport nr Middleburg, Transvaal Colony 3 Feb 1901 age 22."
There is also a Cecil Cawston Memorial Institute erected in Cawston Village. The glass window in the
Cathedral representing St. George and the Dragon was given in memory of Edwin Cawston a cousin also killed in the war.

[NI164] Arthur Cawston was a brliiant Architect but died as a result of an accident while cleaning an old pistol and he left only one daughter.

[NI166] Edwin was the youngest son and was educated at Charter house and finding England " too straight for him" leaving England with his fathers concent with one of the young gardeners from Bromley Hall went to France and then to California. There he accumulated a fortune ,married three times and had two daughters and four sons. He died leaving three sons and two young grandsons.

[NI167] He opened the Ye Little Bread Shoppy in the Waterloo Road which apparantly still stands (in 1959) and after selling the little shop he became a pawnbroker . Later in life he joined the Stock Exchange and died at his home in Streatham aged 66 years.
He had been made a member of the Cooks Co in 1812.

[NI621] Markby served as Archdeacon in India for sixteen years and lived with his family during the Indian Mutiny living in Lucknow for a time. His daughter "Bella" remembered the band playing "The Campbells are coming" at the relief of the town

[NI625] Rev Richard Boys served on St Helena during the Imprisonment of Napoloen and at his death was presented with a Armchair,cane and smuff box of Napoleon. He also left the island of St Helena with two death masks of him .