Sir Algernon Philips Withiel Thomas (KCMG)

Algernon Philips Thomas (the name Withiel was added later) was born in Cheshire, England and graduated MA from Oxford University in 1881. In 1882 he discovered the cause of liver rot in sheep, a finding of great scientific and economic importance. He arrived in Auckland in 1883 to take up the position of Professor of Natural Science at University College, which was newly established. As well as teaching, he became a widely acknowledged expert on many scientific matters.

Sarah Sophia Stothard

Sarah known as Sophia was born in London and had significant teaching experience before coming to New Zealand in 1860 with the Church Mission Society.

Mary Etheldred Pulling

Mary Pulling was born into an Anglican Church home in England and grew up steeped in the Anglican tradition. She gained her BA degree first class honours from the university of London in 1892.

Edmond De Montalk

de Montalk was born in Paris to a Polish émigré of noble descent who arrived in France after the 1830 revolt against Russia. He was educated at the University of Paris in literature, married and had two children before his wife died.

James William Tibbs

James Tibbs was an educator who for nearly thirty years was headmaster of Auckland Grammar School. The school still has the reputation of one of New Zealand’s best secondary schools. Although Australian born, Tibbs was educated in England gaining an M.A. at Oxford in 1883. After graduation James and his wife moved to Tasmania where James was a mathematics teacher before emigrating to New Zealand in 1885 to teach at Auckland Grammar.