MISSIONS, MOONS & MASTERPIECES. The Giffords Of Oamaru. By Michael Gifford.

Very good softback. First Edition 2005. Colour and Black and White Photographs, illustrations, maps, paintings, family trees, 220 pages, Published By the Heritage Press ltd Palmerston North.

The Reverend Algernon Gifford, Edward Augustus Gifford, and Algernon Charles Gifford were three men who contributed significantly to the social, educational, cultural, geographical and scientific life of pioneering and early 20th Century New Zealand. The Rev. Algernon emigrated to New Zealand after twelve years in Labrador. He was the first Church of England minister for North Otago and during 28 years of service was charged with the building of St Luke's Church, Oamaru, and churches in Maheno and Hampden. Edward Augustus was a highly regarded painter in England and Italy before coming to New Zealand to join his brother. He was equally adept in oils and watercolours, and enjoyed portraiture and detailed figure drawing as well as broad landscapes. His contributions to the country's developing art culture have been reflected in exhibitions of his works, which are still held in New Zealand galleries today. Algernon Charles Gifford, eldest son of Algernon, was sent to England for schooling and University, returning to teach at Waitaki Boys' High School and Christ's College. He then spent thirty-three years teaching mathematics and science at Wellington College, where he was fondly nicknamed "Uncle Charlie". He was also a noted mountaineer, explorer, photographer and astronomer. Mt Gifford, Gifford's Crack and Lake Crusoe were named after him, and recently an asteroid was given his name in recognition of his contributions to astronomy. 0908708661

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