Frederic Pickering Myers
A boy of 17, Mr Myers came to NZ over 63 years ago as a cadet to gain experience on the farm of his cousin, Mr Fred Pickering. For many years he worked in the Beaconsfield district. In 1902 he married Alice Ethel, a daughter of the Hon DH Macarthur, who was closely associated with the settlement of the Manchester block, Mayor of Feilding and a Member of the House of Representatives. Wedding Bells (from a 1902 newspaper).
After his marriage he managed the farm of the late Mr Haythorne for several years and during 1910-1912 he was in England on business matters. About 1913 an English company purchased "Glenmore" a large sheep station at Peep-O-Day, Kimbolton, and Mr Myers was appointed manager. Subsequently the station was purchased by Watt and Myers Ltd, a farming company comprising the late George and James Watt and Mr Myers, who continued to farm it until 1953 when it was acquired by the Crown for soldier settlement.
Mr Myers' wife died in 1918 and a son Norman died in infancy.
Born of a well known English county family, Mr Myers had interests in large estates in Lincolnshire and Cumberland. Mr Myers' father was Rector of Ruskington in Lincolnshire, and the family had been closely associated with the Church of England for some 200 years. Mr Myers' grandfather was a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, and a Senior Wrangler, and several members of the family were noted scholars. On inheriting the English estates, Mr Myers did not return to live at "Dunningwell" the large family mansion in Cumberland, but continued to live quietly in the land of his adoption.
In his younger days Mr Myers was a keen photographer and recently gave to the Feilding Library a series of valuable photographs taken in the district some 60 years ago. He was also an excellent shot and had the privilege of shooting with the late King Edward VIII. In his later life he was a noted breeder of border collies.
A fine type of English gentleman, kindly and courteous to all, generous in his support of charitable causes, his death will be sincerely mourned by a wide circle of relatives and friends.
The Myers Family History -Frederic Pickering Myers
Cathy Clarke, Whangarei, New Zealand
email; mel.clarke@clear.net.nz
Last updated 15 Feb 2003
