Hanson-Allen Family

George Frederic Allen's Obituary

Wanganui Herald - 1 March 1929:

Obituary

Mr G.F. Allen

A Link with the Past

The death occurred in Masterton yesterday of Mr George Fredric (sic) Allen, at the age of 92 years. His passing leaves another gap in the thinning ranks of New Zealand pioneers.

The late Mr Allen was born in London on February 15th, 1837, and was the son of Mr George Allen, and eminent architect. He sailed for New Zealand in the ship Egmont in 1859, and the journey was accomplished after many weary months, ending the following year. He first went to Auckland and later took up his appointment on the Great Barrier Island as engineer to the Great Barrier Kauri Timber and Copper Mining Company, a post he had accepted before leaving England. Subsequently he returned to Auckland, where he took up his profession as an architect and surveyor, entering into partnership with Mr J. Barnard. The firm designed, among other buildings in Auckland, the old St. Matthew's Church, which is now used as a Sunday School.

Early in 1863 Mr Allen accepted an appointment as a surveyor with the Wellington Provincial Government and came to Wellington. Some time later he resigned this post and entered once again into private practice as an architect with his old partner. There are many buildings which are landmarks of this city and district today, which were designed by Mr Allen, notable among them being the late Mr Con Burnett's homestead, 'Oneida,' Fordell, and St. Stephen's Church, Marton. The old Freemason's Hall in St. Hill Street now replaced by Messrs Nancarrow's building, was also designed by him.

About 30 years ago Mr Allen settled with his family at Mangamahu. In those times that centre was vastly different to what it is today. The settlers faced great hardships, but with characteristic pioneering courage surmounted then and helped to develop the present valuable hinterland of Wanganui. Later he returned to Wanganui and removed to Napier and then to Masterton.

Mr Allen married Miss Caroline Frances Hanson, daughter of the Rev. George Loudon Hanson, Vicar of Great Burstead, Essex. His bride came out to New Zealand in 1863, and they were married in Auckland in October that year, in a church designed by the bridegroom. Mrs Allen predeceased her husband some 25 years. He married again later, the widow of the late Mr Nicklas, who, in the early days had charge of the Native School at Whakaihuwaka, about three miles above Parikino, on the Wanganui River.

The deceased took a keen interest in public affairs, was an enthusiastic musician, and rendered a valuable service at various times as choirmaster of Christ Church and St. Mary's Church, Wanganui, and was for many years conductor of the old Philharmonic Society, Choral Society and other musical bodies. He was a well educated and widely read man and was interested in literary matters. His manner was cheerful and he had a strong, forceful personality. In the St. Andrew Kilwinning Lodge he took a prominent part in Freemasonry, and was choirmaster for some years, secretary, and at the time of his death the last surviving foundation member. He was also at one time secretary of the Tongariro Lodge, Wanganui. In the days of volunteer firemen he was secretary of the Wanganui Brigade.

A widow, four sons and one daughter are left - Messrs Fred and Frank, of Wanganui, Charles E.H. of Tauranga and Ralph H. Allen of Palmerston North; and Mrs Oliver Taylor of Otahuhu. There are 19 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Three or four years ago Mr Allen was visited by his brother from America, aged 84. The two met on the Wellington Wharf, and though they had not seen each other since Mr G.F. Allen left England in 1859, the recognition was instant.