Rachel McCauley

Birth Registration Number: (reg. 1880/9283).

Birth Registration Number: (reg. 1904/6812).

Birth Registration Number: (reg. 1912/6017).

Birth Registration Number: (reg. 1918/22633).

Death Registration Number: (reg. 1969/38293). Extract from Katikati Library Archives dated 1969: OBITUARY MRS R. McCAULEY. With the passing of Mrs Rachel McCauley, Katikati has lost a link with the early pioneering of the district.Born in Katikati in 1880, Mrs McCauley was the last surviving member of nine children of the late Mr and Mrs J. Hamilton. She was born at Tuapiro and during her whole life, almost 90 years, she lived in the Katikati district. Her parents were from Belfast, and her father was a steward for the founder of Katikati, George Vesey Stewart. Mrs McCauley married a son of pioneers, Mr George McCauley, and the couple lived on a farm at the foot of Sharp's Road. Mrs McCauley inherited the true pioneer spirit, always ready to help anyone in trouble. Her wonderful qualities were recognised by neighbouring children, and throughout the years they paid homage to her with visits whenever possible. It was also a compliment that she was usually called by her first name, but with utmost respect, by many who had know her since childhood. Mrs McCauley knew what it was to live in hard times, but never dwelled in the past. She worked hard, and when she found herself unable to spend long hours in her garden, she taught herself to embroider, giving most of the finished articles away. By then she was 80 years of age. Twenty-nine years ago she moved into Katikati to live near her daughter, Mrs M. Bellamy. When her other daughter, Mrs K. Kelly passed away in Waihi, Mrs McCauley took over the family of three children, looking on it as a labour of love. Mrs McCauley's memories of early Katikati were interesting and she took pride in her district. Her birthday was on the last day of May and each year it became a gathering of old friends and relations, meeting at Mrs Bellamy's home. Mr McCauley passed away several years ago. Mrs McCauley is survived by a son (Mr L. McCauley, Taupo) and a daughter (Mrs M. Bellamy, Katikati). There are nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.