ONE OF A FAMOUS NAME

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 185, 26 October 1927, Page 13

ONE OF A FAMOUS NAME

ROBERT WYNYARD'S DEATH HISTORIC AUCKLAND FAMILY “There used to be a fine peach tree here, under which I used to sit and read or watch the harbour while the peaches ripened.” With these words on his lips while showing a friend over a part of his family’s old property at Devonport yesterday, Mr. Robert Wynyard collapsed and died. The late Mr. Wynyard had reached the age of 73 years, the greater portion of which he had passed at Devonport, where his father, Captain Gladwyn Wynyard (58th Regiment), had purchased a “suburban farm” in 1852, of a little over four acres, for £3O, The Wynyard family is descended from Lieutenant-Colonel Wynyard, who arrived in New Zealand as one of the first commanders of the New Zealand j Forces. He later acted as Governoi 1 of New Zealand when Governor Gre\ j was recalled, and was elected the firs! I Superintendent of the Province of New | Ulster, now Auckland. KNEW “MOONLIGHT” ! Air. Robert Wynyard was born in i. I house in Princes Street where th< ! Grand Hotel now stands. He started ; his education in the little chapel schoo i established by the Rev. E. H. Haywood

at Devonport, in 1854. One of the scholars at this school later developed into “Captain Aloonlight” of Australian bush-ranging fame. The primary education was followed by periods at the Collegian School of Dr. Jvidd in Upper Queen Street, and at the Wesley and Grammar Schools. Tall, athletic and sociable, the lad became a favourite of Sir George Grey and was sent on the staff of Sir George Thurston on his trip to Fiji. Air. Wynyard was a member of the first football, cricket, and rowing clubs formed at Devonport, and competed in many of the amateur events of the early days. He was a member of the Devonport Borough Council in 1892. Shortly after the formation of the Takapuna Jockey Club Air. Wynvard was appointed secretary and fulfilled j the duties for 44 years. He acted as ; handieapper for many clubs also. His 1 kindly bearing and charm of personj ality made him a thoroughly liked j man. Air. Wynyard is survived by his vrue and five eons and five daughters. A!?*, j John Wynyard. of the Devonport Ferry * brother.