TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MR. PRATER

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 38, 7 May 1927, Page 4

TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MR. PRATER

NO CALL ON ’CHANGE There was no call on the Auckland Stock Exchange this morning. It was cancelled as a mark of respect to the memory of one of the earliest foundation members, Mr. Robert Frater, who yesterday answered the last great call. Active service with the militia in the Maori Wars was Mr. Frater’s first insight into New Zealand conditions when he came out to this country from Scotland in 1863 as a young man of 21. He then took up farming with his four brothers in the district. The opening of the Thames goldfields attracted the brothers and they became owners of the Eldorada

claim, adjoining the site of the present Alburnia Goldmining Company. Selling out they again returned to farming, but not for long. The lure of the goldfields was too strong and their next venture was the opening up of a sharebroking business in the Thames during the Caledonian boom. In 1871 Mr. Robert Frater established a branch of the firm in Auckland and joining the Exchange continued in active busines until about three years ago. Of a genial, kindly nature, Mr. Frater was held in the highest esteem by all with whom he came in contact. Much sympathy will be extended to Mrs. Frater and the family of two sons and three daughters, comprising Mesdames H. Dryden, L. R. B. Horrocks and L. G. Mahon, and Messrs. J. W. and J. H. Frater.