THE LATE MR, HUGH COOLAHAN.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 223, 26 June 1872, Page 3

THE LATE MR, HUGH COOLAHAN.

We sincerely regret to have to record the death of an old and much respected colonist, Mr Hugh Coolahau, who expired at Parnell, Auckland, yesterday morning. Mr Coolahau arrived in Auckland in the

year 1841, in the Shamrock, from Sydney, of which vessel Capt. Daldy was then master. Amongst his fellow passengers were Messrs Rich, Lynch, Regan, Conway, 11. Mackay, and others. Mr Coolahau, who is a baker by trade, carried on the business very successfully in Auckland for some years, and entered somewhat largely-into land speculations, in which lie was atone time very fortunate. The land upon which the line block of building comprising the Waitemata Hotel and adjoining store, at the foot of Queen street and Custom-house street, belonged to him, and ho bail other v i< _.crty iu different parts of the town auu suburbs. Iu later years, amongst the “ ups and downs ” oi colonial life, Mr Coolahau received reverses of fortune, and much of his property was lost. In tlie early days of the Coromandel diggings Mr Coolahau played a prominent part, A portion of the Held, not far from Mr Ring’s residence, is still known as “ Coolalian’s Diggings;” and the small creek which falls into the Kapangais called Coolahau’s Creek. In polities the deceased took an active part, and represented Auckland City West in the Provincial Council for some years, during which his conduct was characterised by great straightforwardness and consistency throughout. In private, as in public life, lie bore a high character. lie was a warm supporter of Mr John Williamson when in office, and took an active part in promoting tire re-election of that gentleman, at the last contest for the suporintcudeucy. Shortly after the opening of the Thames Goldfield, Mr Coolahau came to Shortlaud, and resumed the business of a baker, which he carried on as before successfully, and was about to extend his connexion by opening a branch establishment at Tararu. Mr Coolahau, we believe, was between GO and 70 years of age at tiie time of bis decease, lie leaves a widow and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss, but, we are informed, no family. The funeral will take place to-day in Auckland, and will, wc are sure, be attended by a large number of colonists, who will desire to pay this last mark of respect to the memory of an old and respected pioneer, whose death will be very generally lamented.