from the NZETC (written about 1901) TAUPIRI

GEORGE FREDERICK MELLARS Flaxmiller, Taupiri. Mr Mellars was born in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, England, in 1832. He served for about fifteen years at sea, before arriving in Lyttelton by the ship 'Gannonoak' in 1860, when he resigned his position as third mate of that vessel and settled at Woodend, where and at Oxford, he was for several years engaged in the timber business. At the time of the West Coast rush, Mr. Mellars went to Hokitika, where he engaged in goldmining for about six months. In 1868 he went to the Thames, but after a short time he removed to Auckland and eventually settled at Ohaupo in 1869. For several years afterwards Mr Mellars engaged in sawmilling and in 1888 he bought 1000 acres at Taupiri, where he established a sawmill, which he conducted till 1899. Since that time Mr Mellars has been engaged in the flax business. The machinery of his mill, which was erected at the end of 1899, is driven by a fourteen horse-power steam engine, and the flax is purchased under contract from the natives. Mr. Mellars was married, in 1863, to a daughter of the late Mr. G. Gibbs and has seven daughters and five sons.

GEORGE FREDERICK 'Fred' MELLARS was born in Nottinghamshire in 1832
he married MARY ROSE GIBBS (1845-1908) in 1863

their 12 children:
... 1
1866 - 1936 GEORGE FREDERICK MELLARS
... 10 Dec 1891 ... OKOROIRE HOT SPRINGS HOTEL - The following is a list of visitors to Okoroire to date:- ... & G. F. Mellas, junr., Taupiri
GEORGE married ALICE FRENCH (1870-1954) in 1897
... 20 Nov 1897 The marriage of Mr G. F. Mellars, jun., of Coromandel, to Miss Alice French, youngest daughter of Mr Henry French, of Coromandel, was quietly celebrated on Monday of last week at St Matthew's Church, Auckland. The Rev Lyttelton Fitzgerald officiated, a number of friends being present to witness the ceremony. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr E. J. French, and was attended by two bridesmaids, Miss Florence King and Miss Madge Owen. The bride looked charming, and wore a dainty white bridal dress trimmed with chiffon and orange blossoms and a prettily embroidered tulle veil. She carried a lovely bouquet of choice flowers, ferns and grasses fastened with ribbon. Miss King wore a pretty dress of creme cashmere trimmed with silk, and stylish creme hat. Miss Owen wore a becoming pale blue costume. Both ladies carried beautiful bouquets, and wore pretty gold bangles, the gift of the bridegroom. Master Owen, in a pretty suit acted as page, and Mr J. A. Endean performed the duties of best man.
The bridal party and a number of relatives and friends were subsequently entertained at the residence of Mr Owen at a splendid wedding breakfast, when the customary toasts were drunk most enthusiastically. Mr and Mrs Mellars departed by the afternoon train for Rotorua to spend their honeymoon. Amongst the large collection of beautiful presents were two pieces of plate presented to the bridegroom by the members of which Mr Mellars is chairman. The bride's travelling costume was of navy blue cloth and neat gem hat
- they had 4 known children
1 1900 - 1940 Leslie Mafeking Mellars
... 19 May 1900 On May 19, 1900, at her residence, Coromandel, the wife of G. F. Mellars, jun., of a son
... 22 Jan 1940 TWO BODIES FOUND - TAURANGA, This Day. During he whole of last week police, assisted by parties of local residents, searched the beaches for the bodies of the four drowned when the yacht Ngahuia went ashore on January 13. Parties out yesterday in drenching rain found the body of Roy Elrick Tonkin on the beach at Marakani Island, about five miles north of the point where the wreck occurred. Two miles further on the body of Leslie Mellars was found. The funeral of Tonkin was held today, his twenty-third birthday. Mellars funeral was held at Auckland. (The other men were Herbert Willcock & Philip Herbert Neilson)
... the inquest
2 1901 - 1992 Cecil Frederick Mellars
3 1904 - 1961 Ronald French Mellars
- Ronald married Roma Jessie D'AUTHREAU in 1929
4 1909 - 1972 Athol Francis Mellars
___

... 2
1869 - 1938 Mary Mellars
- born in Ohaupo
MARY married FRANCIS GEORGE JACKSON (1869-1947) in 1896
... 29 February 1896 Christ Church, Taupiri, was the scene of a very pretty wedding on Tuesday morning, February 18th, the contracting couple being Mr F. G. Jackson, youngest son of Mr James Jackson, and Miss Mary Mellars, eldest daughter of Mr G. F. Mellars, a respected resident of the district. The church was beautifully decorated for the occasion, and was crowded with the many friends of the happy couple. The ceremony was performed by the Rev A. M. Bradbury. The bride was given away by her father, and wore a tasteful and pretty bridal gown of white material, wreath of orange blossoms and embroidered tulle veil, and she carried a beautiful bouquet of choice flowers and maiden hair ferns. She was attended by her four sisters, who acted as bridesmaids. Misses Martha and Emma wore very pretty dresses of pale blue crepon finished with white silk, and white net hats trimmed with forget-me-nots and carried pretty bouquets; Misses Dolly and Hetty were attired in tasteful dresses of primrose veiling finished with white lace, and each carried a pretty basket of flowers. The bridegroom was accompanied by Mr W. E. Wilson, who acted as best man. At the close of the service the Wedding March was performed by Miss Cox with excellent effect. Immediately after the ceremony the bridal party left the church amid showers of rice, and adjourned to the residence of the bride's parents, where a sumptuous wedding breakfast awaited them. The usual toasts were proposed and duly responded to. The newly wedded couple left by the morning train for Te Aroha, a large crowd gathering at the railway station to say good-bye and to offer their congratulations. The bride wore a tasteful travelling dress of navy blue serge trimmed with navy jet and hat to correspond. Mr and Mrs Jackson were the recipients of a very large and handsome collection of wedding presents, which were displayed in the drawing room and duly admired
- they had 5 known children:
1 1897 - 1976 James Devey Jackson
2 1898 - 1980 Mavis Devey Jackson
3 1900 - 1956 George Frederick Devey Jackson
4 1903 - 1980 Alicia Mary Devey jackson
5 1906 - Sarah Elizabeth 'Lily' Devey Jackson
Mary died aged 69 in Ngaruawahia
she is buried with Francis Row E. Block 3. Plot 16
HEADSTONE READS:
In Memory Of Mary. Beloved Wife Of Francis George Jackson. Died 30 November 1938 Aged 69 Years. ALSO Her Beloved Husband Francis George. Died 28 Jan 1947 Aged 78 Years
___

... 3
1871 - 1958 Martha Matilda Mellars
- Martha married William Edwards WILSON (1875-1942) in 1900
... 19 Feb 1901 On December 19th, 1900, at Christ Church Taupiri, by the Rev. H. Mason (late of Hawke's Bay), William Edward WILSON, Taupiri, to Martha Matilda, second daughter of G. F. Mellars, of Taupiri, Waikato
- ALSO
... A very pretty wedding was solemnised on Wednesday, the 19th inst., at St Mary's Church, Taupiri, by the Rev Mr Mason, the contracting couple being Mr W. E. Wilson, eldest son of Mrs Wilson, "Terrace View", and Miss M. M. Mellars, second daughter of G. F. Mellars, Esq., of "Maidavale" Taupiri. Both the young people are widely known and much respected in the district, and the pretty little church was crowded.
The bride was tastefully attired in soft white silk trimmed with real lace and chiffon, lovely embroidered veil, and coronet of orange blossoms, and was given away be her father.
The bridesmaids were Miss E. Mellars, and Miss Trendall (Auckland). Both wore pretty dresses of French flowered muslin, and large white picture hats trimmed with ostrich plumes.
Mr Cunningham acted in the capacity of best man.
The church was decorated with white flowers and ferns.
Amongst those present at the ceremony were Mrs G. Jackson, sister of the bride, who wore a lovely dress of crepe e chine, trimmed with figured silk; Mrs P. White, silk skirt and pretty muslin blouse; Mrs A. White, black skirt and maize silk blouse, finished with black velvet ribbon; Miss E. Mellars, white skirt and yellow silk blouse; Misses Dorothy and Ettie Mellars, dainty dresses of heliotrope flowered muslin, pretty hats to correspond. After the ceremony, the bridal party drove to the residence of the bride's parents, where a sumptuous wedding breakfast was served. The party then drove to the station, when the happy pair departed amidst showers of rice and good wishes to spend their honeymoon. The bride's travelling dress was a stylish tailor-made costume of dark green cloth, dainty white silk vest, and gem hat. The numerous wedding presents were useful and pretty
- they had at least 3 children:
1 1901 - 1981 Alexander Edward Wilson
2 1903 - 1968 Meta May Wilson
3 1905 - 1999 Doris May Wilson
- they lived in Thames, Raglan & Taupiri
Martha died 12 Dec 1958 aged 87
William died 25 April 1942 aged 66
They are buried together in Taupiri Row A. Plot 58A
HEADSTONE READS:
Loving Memory of William Edwards Wilson. Loved husband of Martha Matilda. Departed this life (ANZAC DAY) April 25th 1942 aged 66 years. AND Martha Matilda. Loved wife of William Edwards Wilson. Departed this life December 12th 1958 aged 87 years. At Rest
___

... 4
1873 - 1959 John Hayden Mellars
JOHN married EDITH MAY O'BRIEN (1881-1964) in 1905
... 4 March 1905 - The marriage of Mr J. Mellars, of Taupiri, to Miss May O'Brien, only daughter of Mrs O'Brien, of Ngaruawahia, took place at St Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Ngaruawahia, on Wednesday of last week in the presence of a crowded congregation. The church had been beautiful decorated with flowers and evergreens, and the Rev Father Corcoran conducted the ceremony. The bride was given away by her uncle Mr E. Jones, of Hamilton, and wore a pretty costume of white silk trimmed with lace and insertion, and also the customary veil and wreath. Misses Ethel Kelly and Ada Meyers acted as bridesmaids, and Mr T. Dillon was best man. The bridegroom's gift to the bride was a handsome diamond brooch and to each of the bridesmaids he presented a gold bangle. Mr and Mrs Mellars are spending their honeymoon at Rotorua
___

... 5
1875 - 1937 Elizabeth Mellars
ELIZABETH married ALBERT SAMUEL HAWKES (1871-1933) in 1908
Auckland Star, 8 June 1908 HAWKES-MELLARS - On May 4th 1908, at Christ Church, Ellerslie, by the Rev F. W. Walker, Albert Samuel, second son of Edward William Hawkes, of London, to Elizabeth, third daughter of the late G. F. Mellars, of Maidavale, Taupiri, Waikato
their known children
11906 - Ivy Hilda Hawkes
NZ Herald, 30 March 1937 HAWKES - On march 28 1937, at the Auckland Hospital, Elizabeth, beloved wife of the late A. S. Hawkes and loving mother of mary, daughter of the late Mr and Mrs G. F. Mellars, of Taupiri, Waikato; aged 61 years. Private interment from the residence of her sister, Mrs W. E. Wilson, 21 Brentwood Avenue, Mount Eden
___

... 6
1878 - 1942 Emma Mellars
EMMA married WILLIAM 'Harry' NEWMAN (1865-1923) in 1902
- they had at least 2 children:
1 1903 - 1964 George Harry Newman
2 1905 - 1905 Mellars Newman
* William died 16 June 1923 aged 58. He is buried Row I. Block 3. Plot 574H Ngaruawahia Old cemetery.
HEADSTONE READS:
In Loving memory of William Harry Newman died June 16th 1923 aged 58 years
* Emma died 25 Oct 1942 aged 68. She is buried Row E. Block 2. Plot 52 Ngaruawahia Old cemetery
HEADSTONE READS:
Emma loved wife of Harry Newman died 25th Oct 1942 aged 64 years
___

... 7
1880 - 1950 Francis Joseph 'Joe' Mellars
JOE married ETHEL MAY DAISY CORD (1884-190) in 1914
* they lived in the Waikato and Auckland
___

... 8
1882 - 1971 Fanny Dolly Mellars
FANNY married CHARLES ALBERT HOGG (1887-1971) in 1915
their known son:
1922 - 2001 Desmond Leonard Hogg
___

... 9
1884 - 1907 Mary Anne Rosetta 'Ettie' Mellars
... 28 July 1884 On July 28th, at Ohaupo, the wife of G. F. Mellars, of a daughter
- Ettie is mentioned a number of times above attending her sisters at their weddings. Nothing else known about her at this time
___

... 10
1886 - 1875 William Charles Mellars
WILLIAM married ELIZABETH JANE GOODWIN (1895-1958) in 1915
- they had at least 6 children (born in Morrinsville):
1 1915 - 1992 Rose Mellars
- Rose died age 77
2 1916 - 1941 William Robert Mellars
- William served as Private 3283 with the 18th Infantry Battalion, 2NZEF. He was taken prisoner in Crete, Greece. He died whilst prison of war in Oct 1941
3 1918 - 2001 Mavis Emily Mellars
- Mavis married Ernest 'Tup' DEVEY (1912-2003) in Morrinsville
- she died in Hamilton
4 1918 - 1987 Zena Joyce Mellars
- Zena died in Hamilton
5 1921 - 1972 Reginald Charles Mellars
- Reginald died aged 51
6 1923 - 1979 Phyllis Joan Mellars
- lived in Piako
- William Charles Mellars was living in Coronation Road, Morrinsville in Oct 1941 when his son Private William Robert Mellars was at war. He was still living in Coronation Road when his son Private Reginald Charles Mellars was reported wounded in war in Jan 1945
- William Charles died in Te Aroha aged 89
___

... 11
1888 - 1979 Ada May Mellars
ADA married HENRY KEARNEY (1885-1953) in 1908
they had at least 1 child:
1 1910 - 1972 Revell John Kearney
___

... 12
1889 - 1965 Thomas Nelson Mellars
married HAZEL HANNAH OKEY in 1922
... 26 Oct 1922 - COINER CONFESSES - Auckland Counterfeiter's Work
- they lived mostly in Auckland
- Thomas is buried in Mangere, Auckland
___

TIME LINE
1860
... George arrived on the ship "Gananoque" into Lyttelton employed as Third Mate

1863
... George marries Mary Rose GIBBS

On 19 Oct 1868 George & Mary travelled in the Fore Cabin of the ss 'Airedale' from Lyttelton to Wellington and Northern ports

November 1877
... OHAUPO - VALUABLE FARM OF 100 ACRES, withing 10 minutes walk of Railway Station. Comfortable four roomed Cottage, Orchard and Garden, Out-houses, 60 acres in grass. The farm is all fenced. The soil is first rate quality, and all available for ploughing and cropping. For particulars apply to F. G. MELLARS, on the farm or, Kennedy Hill

6 July 1878
... George was one of many men who signed a petition asking F. A. Whitaker, Esq., to allow himself to be nominated as a Candidate to Represent the Waipa District in Parliament

5 November 1888
... Mr Mellars, of Ohaupo, will soon be opening his new timber mill in the Hopohopo bush (Taupiri)

1888
... George moves to Taupiri, buys 1,000 acres and builds a Saw Mill

8 February 1890
... TAUPIRI. The members of the Taupiri Cricket Club entertained a number of ladies and gentlemen at a social and dance on Friday evening. The fair sex assembled in full force and many of the costumes worn on the occasion were much admired. The catering was under the management of the indefatigable secretary, Mr Fred Mellars and to this gentleman much of the success of the entertainment is due.
Mr Robert Grey recited some Hamlet and his elocution was perfect.
Mr Thomas Connolly, with his usual ability, acted as M.C., and altogether a most enjoyable evening was spent.
Several visitors were present from Huntly, and after the social was over they left for their respective homes. The following is a description of the ladies' costumes:-
Miss Minnetti was attired in white embroidered cambric with pink trimmings,
Miss Lovell, cream broche with Honiton lace
Miss Mellars, white muslin with bouquets of wild flowers
Miss White, pink sateen and white bodice
Miss Sampson, white mull muslin, with becoming trimming

14 June 1889
... The tender of G. F. Mellars, of Taupiri, has been accepted for rimu timber for the Auckland railway for the same period

14 August 1893
... Mr G. F. Mellars, junr, travelling representative of the New Zealand Government Life Insurance Department, is at present located in Tauranga. Mr Mellars will visit the surrounding districts and expects to be fully occupied for the next two or three months

14 March 1894
... Mr Mellars, of Taupiri, offered to supply the timber to redeck the Karapiro bridge with heart rimu, at 9s per 100 feet, and his offer was accepted

6 April 1894
... Mr G. F. Mellars, junr., the well-known representative of the Government Life Insurance Department, is now on a visit to Tauranga

27 July 1895
... under the able management of Mr Mellars, the rimu industry is booming, as far as Taupiri is concerned

28 Jan 1896
... George Frederick Mellars was an officer of the St Andrew Lodge of Freemason, No 418, S.C., held in the Princes-street Freemasons Hall in Auckland (probably junior??)

In May 1896
... both George Frederick Mellars, (senior & junior), Timber Merchants of Taupiri, had 1,000 shares (at 1 shilling per share, from a total of 80,000 shares) in the Rialto Gold Mining Company's intended operation at Waikoromiko, Coromandel

7 September 1897
... COROMANDEL BROKERS ASSOCIATION - has been resuscitated, and now holds meetings regularly. Owing to pressure of business, Mr T. W. Rhodes resigned the Chairmanship and Mr G. F. Mellars was unanimously elected in his place

1899
... George buys a Flax Mill off the local Taupiri Maori

4 October 1899
... FOR SALE, Cheap, 1 Semi-Portable Engine, 14 horse power; 1 Circular and Break-down Plant, complete with all Belts, Saws, and jacks, and in complete working order; and about 150 Trees, Rimu and Kahikatea; and will sell the lot cheap; or Plant, without trees - Apply to G. F.Mellars, Taupiri

4 December 1900 & 1901 & 1903
... at the Coromandel FLower Show a Mrs Mellars won a lot of prizes for her flowers. This was George Frederick junior and his wife as George senior was already in Taupiri at this time
... In 1902 in Coromandel George Frederick Mellars was on the committee of the Coromandel Ping Pong Club and was foreman of the jury in the case of the fire which destroyed the Coromandel Hotel
... In 1903 he was elected an officer for the Coromandel School of Mines
... In 1908 he was a Watchmaker in Coromandel

8 June 1903
... FOR SALE, good Bootmaking Business, hand sewn a specialty, as going concern; satisfactory reasons for selling. Apply Geo. F. Mellars, Agent, Coromandel

11 June 1904
... George Frederick Mellars, who died at Taupiri a few days ago, was a typical pioneer colonist. He was one of the best known figures in the central part of this province for a period of thirty-five years, and did more hard work than most men. When he was running the timber industry at Ohaupo in the early days, his neighbour and afterwards competitor, was Henry KUSABS. Henry is a Prussian from the Baltic port of Memel and George Mellars was a Nottin'am man, with the most pronounced version of the difficult dialect of his native country. When these two got into an argument, therefore, the rest of the company had all the fun they wanted by simply listening. Two good, honest old fellows they were, and the colony would be all the better if it had more of their sort.

NOTE
George died 3 June 1904 aged 72
Mary Rose died 26 Feb 1908 aged 64
They are buried Row I. Block 3. Plot 575N at Ngaruawahia Old cemetery
HEADSTONE reads:
In Loving Memory of George Frederick. Dearly beloved husband of Mary Rose Mellars. Died 3rd June 1904 aged 72 years. Thy Will be done. ALSO Mary Rose Mellars. The beloved wife of the above who died Feb 25th 1908 aged 64 years. Forever with the Lord. ALSO Annie Rosetta (Ettie), the beloved daughter of the above who departed this life May 14th 1907 aged 22 years. Peace After Pain

PHOTO
George Frederick MELLARS & Mary Rose GIBBS
- taken from NZETC - see first link -