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William KIRK (1825-1915)
Evening Post 20 May 1915 The Death of a Pioneer Missionary
The Rev William Kirk, who died at Petone last night, in his ninetieth year, was one of the pioneer missionaries of
New Zealand, and had for nearly seventy years been connected with the Methodist Church of the Dominion. In
his “The History of Methodism in New Zealand,” published in 1900, the Rev W. Morley, D.D., records that in April,
1847, a new missionary ship, the ‘John Wesley’ arrived at Auckland, bringing additional labourers for the missions
in the Southern world. “The New Zealand member of the party was a young, unmarried man, who, after a most
useful ministerial course of more than half a century, still remains to aid the Church by his counsel and inspire by
his example. The Rev W. Kirk,” he goes on to say, “is a native of the famous county of Lincolnshire. He
possesses all the fervour and earnestness usually associated with that county… He is a native of Epworth, the
birth-place of our founder, and, being the son of a local preacher of fifty years’ standing, was trained in the
Church.” In Auckland, the rev. gentleman saw much fruit of his labours. As the years went by these multiplied.
Having acquired the Maori language, he laboured in the Maori Mission for fifteen years. Upon him was placed the
responsibility of opening the long-thought-of mission on the Wanganui River. That was in 1848, and the historian
remarks that “it was no light undertaking for a young man of two-and-twenty and his newly-married wife, thus to
start a station in a district in which they were entire strangers.” It was only after a voyage of exceptional danger that they reached
Wanganui. “About 4 o’clock on a perfectly calm evening (this was after several days of very heavy weather) they were off the Wanganui
Heads. They could have landed, but as there were no signals, the captain resolved to wait till morning… It was the night before the great
earthquake in Wellington, and a heavy gale sprang up… and at 4 o’clock in the morning, in the midst of a fearful tempest the little vessel
went ashore.” However, after an awful night’s experience, they got safe to land, and although the town was in a panic through the
earthquake, and chimneys were levelled in all directions, the people showed them much kindness. Ohinemutu was decided on as a site for
the station, and in that isolated spot, where for weeks, and even months, they did not see a white man, Mr and Mrs Kirk resided for four
years. Later, he was transferred to Christchurch, where he was instrumental in having the first Wesleyan church established there – in
High-street. Then Mr and Mrs Kirk went south and erected the first Wesleyan chapel at Port Chalmers. Later, they returned to the North
Island, and Mr Kirk took charge of a mission school at Kai Iwi, having some fifty Native boarders in his care. Next he was transferred to
Mongonui, and subsequently was stationed at Nelson, Wanganui, Christchurch, New Plymouth, Auckland, Wellington and Richmond
(Nelson). In 1885, Mr Kirk retired from active work and settled at the Hutt, subsequently removing to Petone, where he had lived ever since.
Mrs Kirk died in 1906, at the age of seventy-eight years. The deceased was a great reader, taking an active and intelligent interest in many
and varied phases of thought and culture, until a few weeks ago, when, for the first time, his eyes failed him; and last night he passed away,
after only two days’ illness. During the rev. gentleman’s first term of ministry in Wellington a church was erected in Manners-street, but it
was destroyed by fire thirty-six years ago. In his second term the Taranaki-street Church was erected. The late Mr Wrigley, who died a few
hours before Mr Kirk, was officially associated with him during his first term of office in Wellington. The deceased is survived by two sons –
Mr J. H. Kirk, merchant, of Christchurch, and Mr R. C. Kirk, solicitor, Wellington; and three daughters, Mrs Garlick, wife of the Rev S. J.
Garlick; Mrs Fred Overton, of Taihape; and Miss Kirk, of Petone.
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Dominion 20 May 1915
The Rev William Kirk, a veteran Wesleyan minister, died at Petone yesterday, in his 90th year of age. Mr Kirk was born at Ferry-on-Trent,
near Gainsborough, in 1825. He became a Methodist local preacher at 19 years of age, and two years later was inducted into the Wesleyan
Church in London. In company with seven other selected missionaries he came to New Zealand in 1846, and in those very early days of
the history of the colony, and later in the times when the Natives were fractious, he had many thrilling and trying experiences, one of the
earliest being a very narrow escape from shipwreck at Wanganui. Mr Kirk’s first station was at Ohinemutu, where he carried on a
conspicuously successful ministry until 1853. In that year he went to take charge of the mission station at Waikouaiti, in Otago, but in 1857
he was back in the North Island again, on transfer to Kai Iwi. In 1860 he was again transferred to Mongonui, and thereafter to Nelson, and
to Wellington. Thereafter he was minister for three years in the following parishes:- St Albans, New Plymouth, Auckland, Wellington and
Richmond. During his first term in this city a church was erected in Manners Street, but it was destroyed by fire 36 years ago, and in his
second term the Taranaki Street church was built. The Rev Mr Kirk has not been an active minister of his church for 30 years. He has
resided at Petone since 1894. He was generally known perhaps better to an older generation than the present as one of the brave Christian
missionaries who endured cheerfully the hardships and very real dangers of the pioneer life in this country, and who achieved wonderful
success in imparting to the Natives the Christian teachings.
Otago Daily Times 21 Jun 1915
The Rev William Kirk, one of the pioneer missionaries in New Zealand, died at Petone in his ninetieth year. He had been confined to his
bed for only two days (says the New Zealand Times). Born at Ferry-on-Trent, the late Mr Kirk was a Methodist local preacher in London for
a while and was ordained to the ministry in 1845. That same year he arrived in New Zealand in the ship ‘John Wesley’, being one of eight
missionaries sent out by the Church Missionary Society. First, he was stationed at Hokianga, and after that at Ohinemutu. When on the
Canterbury Plains in 1853 he saw the first church erected in High Street, Christchurch. Among his other charges were Waikouaiti, Kai Iwi
(where he was in charge of a native industrial school), Mangonui, Nelson, Wellington, New Plymouth, Auckland and Richmond. While in
Wellington he was concerned in the building of a Wesleyan church in Manners Street and afterwards of a new church in Taranaki street. In
1885 he retired from active ministerial work, and since that time lived in the Hutt Valley. He was predeceased some six years ago by his
wife, who was the eldest daughter of the late Rev John Hobbs, the first Wesleyan missionary who ever came to New Zealand, arriving in
1823. They were married in 1848, and Mr Kirk’s first duty afterwards was to found the first mission on the Wanganui River. The deceased is
survived by two sons (Mr J. H. Kirk, merchant of Christchurch and Mr R. C. Kirk, solicitor of Wellington) and three daughters (Mrs Garlick,
wife of the Rev S. J. Garlick; Mrs Fred Overton, of Taihape; and Miss E. C. Kirk, of Petone.
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Evening Post 21 May 1915
The funeral of the late Rev William Kirk, the pioneer Methodist missionary, who passed away in his ninetieth year at Petone on Wednesday,
took place to-day. There was a large and representative gathering of citizens, including many old colonists and representatives of the
Church from all parts of the Wellington district. Prior to the funeral, prayers were offered at the deceased gentleman’s late residence,
Britannia-street, after which the cortege proceeded to the Methodist Church, where a service was conducted by the Rev J. J. Lewis. An
address was delivered in the church by the president of the conference (Rev J. Dawson), who expressed the sympathy of the whole of the
Church in New Zealand with the late Mr Kirk’s relatives, and its appreciation of the life and ministry of the deceased pastor. Appropriate
hymns were also sung by the congregation. The service at the Taita Cemetery was conducted by the Rev J. J. Lewis, the chief mourners
being members of the family of the deceased. A memorial service will be held at the Petone Methodist Church on Sunday evening next.
New Zealander 24 Jun 1848 Marriage
On Tuesday, the 6th June, at Hokianga, by the Rev John Warren, Rev William Kirk, to Emma, eldest daughter of Rev John Hobbs, senior
Wesleyan Missionary of the Hokianga district.
Wellington Independent 27 Apr 1860 Marriage
On the 19th inst., at the residence of Mr William Watt, Wanganui, by the Rev William Kirk, Mr Joseph Willcox, of Ashtead, Rangitikei, to
Margaretta, third daughter of the Rev John Hobbs, of Auckland.
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 21 May 1864 Marriage
On the 17th May, at the residence of the bride’s uncle, by the Rev William Kirk, Mr John Martin Croucher, to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Mr
James Jary, miller, Spring Grove.
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 24 Jan 1865 Marriage
On the 19th January, at the residence of the bride’s father, by the Rev William Kirk, Mr Paul Coffey, shipwright, late of London, to Elizabeth,
youngest daughter of Mr Thomas Newman, Spring Grove, Waimea-south.
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Daily Southern Cross 27 Feb 1867 Stations of the Wesleyan Ministers in New Zealand for the year 1867
Northern District. Auckland – James Buller, James Wallis, George S. Harper; John Hobbs, Henry H. Lawry, supernumeraries. Three Kings
– A Catechist. Wellington – William Kirk, William Morley. Wairarapa – John S. Rishworth. Wanganui – Isaac Harding, one wanted; George
Stannard, supernumerary. Taranaki – John Whitely. New Plymouth – William J. Watkin. Raglan, Aotea and Kawhia – Cort H.
Schnackenberg; Wiremu Patene and Hamiora Ngaropi, Native Assistant Missionaries. Manukau – John Warren, John Whewell; George
Buttle, supernumerary. Kaipara and Wairoa – William Gittos. Wangarei – John Smith. Hokianga – William Rowse; Hoani Waiti, Native
Assistant Missionary. Mahurangi – A Home Missionary. Waikato – Joseph Berry. Napier – one wanted. James Buller, Chairman of the
District. Southern District. Christchurch – Thomas Buddle, Alexander Reid, J. B. Richardson, Rainsford Bevin; John Aldred, supernumerary.
Maori Department – Te Kote, Native Assistant Missionary. Nelson – John Crump, Robert L. Vickers. Motueka – One wanted. Dunedin –
Alfred R. Fitchett, James W. Wallis. Lawrence – One wanted. Marlborough – William Lee. Timaru – George B. Quilty. Invercargill – Robert
S. Burns. Oamaru – William T. Mayne. Hokitika – William Cannell. Greymouth – Joseph T. Shaw. Chatham Islands – Hetaraka Warahi,
Native Assistant Missionary. Thomas Buddle, Chairman of the District.
Evening Post 12 Feb 1869 Wesleyan Conference, Sydney
The following appointments are copied from a Station List of the Wesleyan Ministers, for 1869, received by the ‘Alhambra’ this day. The
appointments are not likely to be altered, though the Station List is not the final and authoritative one, as the Conference has not closed its
business. Wellington – William Kirk, Charles F. Rigg. Greytown – John S. Rishworth. Wanganui – William Morley, George Stannard. Nelson
– John Crump, William Lee. Motueka – William George Thomas. Marlborough – Robert L. Vickers. We observe that Mr Joseph H.
Simmons, of this city, is appointed to labor in the Waikato District. – Nelson Mail.
New Zealand Herald 30 May 1877 Marriage
On May 29, at the residence of the bride’s mother, Mrs Williams, Karangahape Road, by the Rev William Kirk, Louisa Williams, second
daughter of Mrs Williams, to James George, second son of John George, Thames.
Auckland Star 22 Oct 1878 Marriage
On the 16th inst., at Pitt-street Wesleyan Church, by the Rev William Kirk, Theo. Cooper, of Auckland, solicitor, to Bessie, youngest
daughter of Mr A. A. Alexander, late of The Town Mills, Kingsclese, Hampshire, England.
New Zealand Herald 23 Oct 1878 Marriage
On October 16, at Pitt-street Wesleyan Church, by the Rev William Kirk, Theo, eldest son of Mr Theophilus Cooper, late publisher of the
Daily Southern Cross, to Bessie, youngest daughter of Mr A. A. Alexander, late of the Town Mills, Kingsclere, Hampshire, England.
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Star 19 Apr 1879 Marriage
Dec 25, 1878 by the Rev William Kirk, John Harry, second son of Mr George Garrett, Newton, Auckland, to Margaret, eldest daughter of Mr
David Middleton, Rangiora, Christchurch.
Taranaki Herald 15 Apr 1880 Marriage
On the 31st March at Wesley Church, Wellington, by the Rev W. J. Williams, the Rev S. J. Garlick, of Woodend, to Jane, eldest daughter of
the Rev William Kirk, Wellington.
Nelson Evening Mail 19 Oct 1883 Marriage
On October 18th, at Brightwater, by the Rev William Kirk, Stephen Thomas, eldest son of Mr William Brent, to Laura, fourth daughter of Mr
Andrew Rutherford, of Brightwater.
1885-1886 Franklin North Electoral Roll
William Kirk, freehold, Nelson, clergyman – qualification Lots 24,27,28, section 11, Runciman’s town
Star 26 Jan 1885 Wesleyan Conference
Per Press Association. Dunedin, Jan 24. At the Wesleyan Conference to-day, Messrs Fellows, Burrows, and Law, were proposed as
candidates for the ministry, and were unanimously received for further training at Wesley College, Auckland. The Rev William Kirk applied
to be placed on the list as a permanent supernumerary, on account of advanced years. Mr Kirk has been engaged in the active work of the
ministry 39 years. Mr Morley was requested to prepare a resolution for the printed minutes, setting forth the high sense entertained by the
Conference of the worth of Mr Kirk’s labours. The work of the students in Wesley College during the year was reviewed. It was decided that
two of the students, Messrs Rothwell and Lawry, should commence Circuit work this year. The Stationing Committee will resume its work
early on Monday morning.
Nelson Evening Mail 25 Mar 1886 Marriage
At St Alban’s Church, Appleby, by his Lordship the Bishop of Nelson, on March 24th, 1886, Richard Clement, second son of the Rev William
Kirk, of Lower Hutt, Wellington, to Amy Frances, second daughter of the Hon J. W. Barnicoat, M.L.C., of Richmond, Nelson.
Evening Post 27 Jan 1887 Marriage
On 1st January, at the residence of the bride’s father, by the Rev William Kirk, Frederick William, eldest son of Sampson Rowe, to Elizabeth
Louisa, only daughter of William Smith; both of Wellington.
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Evening Post 07 Feb 1887 Birth
On 4th February, at Nelson-street, Petone, the wife of R. Clement Kirk, of a son.
Evening Post 18 Apr 1887 Marriage
On 13th April, at the Lower Hutt by the Rev Mr Kirk, Edward Irving, eldest son of the late P. A. Wilkie, to Emma, eldest daughter of Mr
Robert Maby; both of Upper Hutt.
Evening Post 22 Jun 1887 Marriage
On 16th June 1887, at Petone, by the Rev William Kirk, Edward Belton, eldest son of H. J. Pilcher, to Kate Philips, second daughter of the
late William Radcliffe, of Christchurch.
Evening Post 21 Dec 1887 Marriages
On 30th November 1887, at Petone, by the Rev W. Kirk, Henry James Mead, second son of the late Robert Edmonds, of Somerset,
England, to Phoebe Agnes, youngest daughter of the late William Theodore Lechner, of Rotorua.
Evening Post 22 Dec 1887 Death
On 21st December 1887 at Richmond, Nelson, Morice Clement, infant son of R. Clement Kirk, of Petone.
Evening Post 09 Feb 1888 Birth
On 8th February 1888, at Nelson-street, Petone, the wife of R. Clement Kirk, of a son (premature).
Wairarapa Daily Times 29 May 1888 Marriage
On the 24th May, at the Wesleyan Church, Lower Hutt, by the Rev William Kirk, Henry Chappell of Wellington, to Isabelle, third daughter of
James Wilkie, Esq., Motueka.
Evening Post 14 Jan 1889 Birth
On 11th January, at Nelson-street, Pitone, the wife of R. Clement Kirk, a son.
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Evening Post 23 Mar 1889 The Volunteers
An inspection parade of the Petone Navals was held last evening. The muster was an excellent one, 82 of all ranks being present. LieutCommanding Davy, and Sub-Lieut Davis, were both present, and in the absence of Lieut-Colonel Butts the former acted as inspecting
officer. After parade, a meeting of the corps was held, when Mr R. Clement Kirk was unanimously elected to the vacant lieutenancy. The
men who went into camp at Fort Kaiwarra last Saturday, will finish their course of instruction on Thursday next. Excellent progress has
been made, and the instructors appointed by Government are much pleased with the proficiency shown.
1890 Hutt Electoral Roll
William Kirk, freehold, Blackbridge, Wesleyan minister, Part section 35, Hutt
Richard Clement Kirk, freehold, Petone, solicitor, Lot 17 of section 5, Petone
William James Kirk, residential, Petone, electrographer
Evening Post 20 Nov 1890 Birth
On the 20th November, at Nelson-street, Petone, the wife of R. Clement Kirk, of a daughter.
Evening Post 15 May 1891 Marriage
On 7th May, at Wesley Church, Lower Hutt, Frederick William Leonard, youngest son of Rev William Kirk, to Lucy Entwistle, third daughter
of Rev W. J. Watkin.
Evening Post 22 Dec 1891 Advertisement
Petone and Hutt Building and Investment Co. (Limited). Deposits received at the following rates:- 12 months, 6 per cent; 6 months, 5 per
cent; At call, 4 per cent. R. Clement Kirk, Managing Director.
Evening Post 05 Jan 1892 Marriage
On the 31st December, by the Rev William Kirk, at his residence, Blackbridge Lower Hutt, Wallace John Rowe, to Kate Agatha Morley; both
of Wellington. English and Calcutta papers please copy.
1896 Otaki Electoral Roll
Frederick William Leonard Kirk, farmer; Lucy Entwistle Kirk, household – both residing at Otaki
Evening Post 15 Apr 1898 Birth
On 11th April, at Nelson-street, Petone, Mrs R. Clement Kirk, of a daughter.
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Evening Post 06 Jun 1898 Marriage
On the 6th June 1848, at the Wesley Church Mission Station, Mangungu, Hokianga, by the Rev John Warren, Rev William Kirk, Wesleyan
Missionary, to Emma, eldest daughter of the Rev John Hobbs, Wesleyan Missionary.
Wanganui Chronicle 21 May 1900 Advance Petone
Per Press Association. Wellington, May 20. The suburb of Petone was lit with gas last night. The ceremony of opening the works during the
afternoon was considerably affected by the news of the relief of Mafeking. However, there was a fair attendance of Councillors from town
and the Hutt. In the evening the gas was turned on and the town brilliantly illuminated. A celebration dinner was held at night, when the
opportunity was taken by the Petone Councillors to present Mr R. Clement Kirk, who has been their Mayor for some years, with a
handsome oak-sealed bowl and a silver cigarette case in recognition of his services to the district.
1905-1906 Hutt Electoral Roll
William Kirk, Wesleyan minister; Emma Kirk, domestic duties – both at Britannia St, Petone
Richard Clement Kirk, solicitor; Amelia Frances Kirk – both at Nelson St, Petone
Northern Advocate 18 Aug 1906 Obituary – Mrs Emma Kirk
Press Association. Wellington, August 18. Mrs Emma Kirk, wife of the Rev William Kirk, of Petone, the oldest Wesleyan Minister (retired) in
New Zealand, died at Petone yesterday, at the age of 78. Deceased was a daughter of the Rev John Hobbs (who came to the Colony in
1823), and was born at the mission station, Bay of Islands, in 1828.
Evening Post 08 May 1907 Marriage
On the 7th March, 1882, at Wellington, by the Rev William Kirk, Francis James Webber, second son of John Fear, engineer, Barnstaple,
Devon, to Mary, second daughter of John Collins Holmes, builder, of this city. (Silver wedding).
Dominion 24 Sep 1910 Death
On the 21st September, at Opotiki, Frederick William Leonard Kirk, Solicitor, youngest son of the Rev William Kirk, of Petone, aged 43
years.
Colonist 26 Sep 1910 Death
The death is announced at Opotiki of Mr F. W. Leonard Kirk, the youngest son of the Rev William Kirk, the old and well-known Wesleyan
minister. Like his brother, Mr R. C. Kirk, of Wellington, deceased followed the legal profession.
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1911 Hutt Electoral Roll
William Kirk, Wesleyan minister, Britannia Street, Petone
Richard Clement Kirk, solicitor; Amelia Frances Kirk, domestic duties – both at Nelson Street, Petone
John Frankland Kirk, fitter; Violet Jean Kirk, spinster – both at 52 Nelson Street, Petone
Oamaru Mail 20 May 1915 Death of Veteran Methodist Missionary
Per Press Association. Wellington, May 20. The death occurred at Petone last night of the Rev William Kirk, a well-known Methodist
missionary, in his 90th year. He had only been confined to bed for two days. Deceased arrived in the colony in 1846, and was afterwards
stationed in many parts of the Dominion, retiring in 1885. In 1848 he married the eldest daughter of the Rev John Hobbs.
Evening Post 20 May 1915 Funeral Notice
The Friends of the late Rev William Kirk are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave his late residence, Britannia-street,
Petone, To-morrow, 21st May, at 1.45 p.m., for the Wesleyan Church, thence to the Taita Cemetery. J. R. Croft, Undertaker, Hutt and
Petone.
Press 21 May 1915 Obituary
The late Mr Kirk was the first Methodist minister in Christchurch, having arrived in this city in 1853. He was appointed that year to the Maori
Mission at Waikouaiti, but calling at Lyttelton on the way, he was persuaded to stay here until the following year, when the Rev J. Aldred
succeeded him. During his first stay here a site for a church was secured in High street, and the erection of the church was being
proceeded with, and was opened for worship soon after the arrival of Mr Aldred. Mr Kirk was in later years stationed at Durham street and
St Albans churches, as well as at most of the city Methodist churches, in New Zealand. The members of his family include Mr H. Kirk, of
Abberley road, St Albans, Mr R. Clement Kirk, several times Mayor of Petone, and three daughters, one of whom is the wife of the Rev S.
J. Garlick of Lower Hutt. Mrs Kirk died about ten years ago.
Evening Post 04 Aug 1915 Personal Matters
Mr R. Clement Kirk, Petone, has been advised by cablegram that his youngest son, Pte. Edward Kirk, who went away with the Main
Expeditionary Force, died at the Dardanelles from typhoid fever on the 21st July. Deceased, who was about 23 years of age, and very
popular, was born at Petone, and educated at the local State School and at Wellington College. On finishing his education, he joined the
staff of the National Bank in Wellington, and afterwards entered the service of Messrs Magnus, Sanderson and Co., in order to gain an
insight into motor mechanics. He was with the firm when he enlisted.
Evening Post 16 Jun 1917 Marriage
On the 15th June, 1867, by the Rev William Kirk, Walter John Staff, to Annie Jane Corbett, both of Wellington. (Golden wedding).
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Evening Post 17 Jan 1920 Marriage
On the 1st January 1870, by the Rev William Kirk, at the Wesleyan Church, Manners-street, Thomas Ralph to Georgina Caroline Bennett,
both of Wellington.
Evening Post 21 Oct 1926 Steady Progress – The Game of Golf
Golf has made steady and consistent progress in New Zealand, according to the report made by the chairman (Mr R. Clement Kirk) at the
annual meeting of the New Zealand Golf Association last evening. “New clubs are being formed, and are linking up with our organisation
every month,” he stated. “The council has been able during the year to suggest a reduction of the per capita subscription of the clubs
because of their increased membership, and the affiliation of new clubs. With the revenue now available, we are able to carry on
comfortably and efficiently, and at the same time to offer liberal prize-money for the encouragement of the professional meetings. We have
been able to keep actively engaged during the playing season two professionals in coaching country club members, and in offering advice
and assistance in the construction and laying-out of courses.”
Evening Post 12 Aug 1927 Death
On the 12th August 1927, Richard Clement Kirk, of Petone; aged 64 years. Private interment. No flowers.
Evening Post 12 Aug 1927 A Full Life – Sportsman: Citizen – Wide Field of Work and Play – The Late Mr R. C. Kirk
If there were an order of merit for the citizen who combined the all-round qualities which are demanded of Rhodes scholars, then it would
surely have been awarded to Mr Richard Clement Kirk, of Petone, whose death at his residence in Petone was announced to-day. Born in
North Auckland, the son of the late Rev William Kirk, a Methodist minister who filled many circuits, the late Mr Kirk lived in Nelson,
Wellington, Christchurch, New Plymouth and Auckland, before finally returning to Wellington. There was scarcely a branch of sport in which
he did not take active part, and he was interested in all. While at the Auckland Grammar School, not yet sixteen, he developed into a longdistance runner of promise, competing with distinction in adult events. On returning to Wellington, he was only a year at Wellington College,
when he was articled to Mr William Miller Lewis, partner of Sir Walter Buller. In 1882 he joined the Athletic Football Club, which, with the
Wellington, Greytown and Masterton clubs, formed the Rugby Union of those days, and played in the first match of that season in the
second fifteen, reaching the senior team for the final against Greytown. He played for Wellington and Taranaki combined against the
touring New South Wales team, in the days when Mr J. P. Firth, C.M.G., was one of the Wellington Club’s forwards. Before he was twentyone, the late Mr Kirk passed his final law examination (in the same year as Sir Charles Skerrett), and in 1884 commenced practice on his
own account, in Lambton quay. In 1886 he married the daughter of the Hon J. W. Barnicoat, of Richmond, Nelson, and settled permanently
in Petone. A keen angler, he was successful on most streams within reach of Wellington, and was also well known on the tennis courts at
Petone, besides captaining the Petone Cricket Club, which won the junior championship in 1889. Mr Kirk had a wise and wide influence on
the progress of Petone in its earlier days. He acted as legal adviser to the Town Board in the early ‘eighties, and in 1885, at the request of
the board, undertook the offices of Town Clerk and Returning Officer. In 1888 the town was given borough status, and the following year Mr
Kirk was elected Mayor, which office he held until 1901, with the exception of a break of a year, in 1891-2. During these years, principally
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due to his leadership, the foundations of the borough’s present prosperity were laid. In the matters of drainage, protection from floods, the
securing of the land which comprises the present recreation ground, and the water supply from Koro Koro, Mr Kirk was a prime mover. He
also insisted on subdivisions being made to conform to future needs. The widening and straightening of Jackson street, the provision of
municipal offices and public baths, were placed before the ratepayers by Mr Kirk’s Council, but were not then approved. On his retirement
from the Petone Mayoralty Mr Kirk was appointed Borough Solicitor, and continued to assist the progress of the district. The amalgamation
of the two boroughs was one of his great desires, and those who consider this a modern idea will perhaps be surprised to know that nearly
thirty years ago Mr Kirk advocated it. For sixteen years following 1889 he was a member of the Petone Navals, and made his first shoot on
the Evans Bay rifle range, which occupied the position of the main Seatoun road today, using the Snider rifle. He developed into an
enthusiastic and excellent rifle shot, and was one of the committee which, with Colonel Somerville, first explored the swamp at Trentham
with a view to leasing it and making a rifle range there. This was done, and the first shoot was held in 1892. The late Mr Kirk was one of the
founders of the Petone Rifle Club, and shot with the Ballinger brothers and others who made history in New Zealand rifle-shooting, twice
refusing trips to Bisley on account of business. In 1895 he won the Kynock Cup, and was fourth, 8 points behind the winner, for the
championship belt, after putting two shots on the wrong target. He occupied fifth position at the meeting held the next year at Oamaru, and
headed the list of the New Zealand men which won the match against teams from the Australian States, and was next in the aggregate to a
member of the Queensland team who topped the list. When he reached 40 years of age, Mr Kirk took up golf, with the same thoroughness
which characterised his association with all other sports. With the aid of golfing literature, and by watching better players, he was soon
winning handicap events on the 16 mark, and after ten years had brought his handicap down to scratch, at the age of 50, four times holding
the Hutt Club championship. The late Mr Kirk was captain of the Hutt Golf Club continuously during the time he played golf, and his advice
was valuable in the days when the club was not so financial as it is now. Four years ago he was selected a life member. Five years ago he
was professionally retained to frame a better constitution for the New Zealand Golf Council, and, after the rules were adopted, he was
elected its chairman, a position he has retained since. During his term as chairman of the New Zealand Golf Council Mr Kirk was
particularly interested in the prosperity and growth of outlying New Zealand clubs, and made many tours of inspection, during which his
advice proved invaluable. Always willing to assist, even in the case of the veriest tyro, hundreds of golfers owe a large proportion of their
proficiency to his personal coaching. Golf owes him more than any other man in New Zealand, as besides many trophies given locally, he
was the originator of the Kirk-Windeyer Cup, which has done more to bring about inter-Australian contests and broaden the national
standard of golf than anything ever previously thought of. Mr Kirk moved into his office in Panama street in 1893, and for some time past
had been working in partnership with Mr Harding. Suffering an exceedingly painful internal head affliction for years, Mr Kirk yet retained his
cheerfulness and interest in affairs with wonderful courage. He leaves a widow, a son (Mr J. F. Kirk, of Petone), and daughter (Mrs Dennis
Hursthouse, of Hastings). Another son, Edward, died of enteric contracted in Gallipoli.
Evening Post 09 Dec 1929 Golden Wedding
On the 9th December 1879, at Wesleyan Church, Molesworth street, by the Rev William Kirk, William George, eldest son of Mr and Mrs
William Tustin, to Harriett Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Henry John Pilcher, all of Wellington.
HBIG A-Z Kirk
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Hutt Valley Biographical Index and Genealogies website www.hbig.gen.nz
Evening Post 20 Aug 1930
Among the awards for bravery made by the Royal Humane Society at Christchurch last Monday was a letter of commendation to Mr John
Frankland Kirk for a rescue from drowning at Days’ Bay. In the telegraphed report in yesterday’s issue Mr Kirk’s surname was not given.
Evening Post 24 May 1941 Methodist Church Centennial – Upper Hutt R.S.A. Hall
Photograph of Rev William Kirk who was responsible for the building of the church which was burnt down in Manners Street in 1879, and
afterwards the building of the present Wesley Church in Taranaki Street.
HBIG A-Z Kirk
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