VETERAN PASSES

Hokitika Guardian, 13 June 1930, Page 7

VETERAN PASSES

OR. GILES, OF MOUNT EDEN

(Auckland “Star.”)

Dr. J. Giles died on Monday at his home in Chamberlain Avenue, Mount Eden, in his 98th year. He was one of the best-known pioneer citizens ol Auckland, having arrived here by the Lord Ashley in 1858. Born in Somersetshire, Dr. Giles went to the Crimean War a« a surgeon, and there formed a friendship witli Miss I'lorence Nightingale. Shortly after his arrival in Auckland, Dr. Giles took up land at Mnului. When the rush occurred to Gabriel’s Gully goldfield in Otago ho spent a few months there practising his profession. He next returned to Mnuku. and when war broke out in ti. e Waikato he served a,s surgeon wDh the list Waikato Regiment. Upon resigning that appointment re rd iped’cal ’■'’■notice in Auckland, compig it with literary work for the stress. He was editor of the “Southrn Cross Magazine” and was recognised as one of the finest classical scholars in Auckland. At one time Dr Giles lived at Onehunga,where he was a close friend of the late Dr Purchase. Dr Giles some years ago resided at Nelson, and from there was appointed warden and magistrate on the West Uloaet goldfield. He was later transferred ns magistrate to Wanganui, and r rr>ni there was moved to Auckland. He retired from official life In 1893 and once more went to live nt Mrtuku hut -riant the evening of his days in Auck-’nn«-l. Dr G ''es retained liis vigorous "vntaPtv for literary work until the ’out. He had no family blit adopted a doivrhter, who is now married to a Mr Drake.