He worked as a cadet at Hawkeswood and St. Leonards and was appointed manager of Balmoral Station in 1873 then the property of Dalgety's.

He built a rabbitproof fence along the northern boundary when the rabbits threatened the Amuri runs. he also built 30 miles of water race as there was no water on the Balmoral flats.

He was a famous driver and whip and frequently drove a four-in-hand. He was a judge of harness horses at shows. He was a member of the Amuri CC and was Hon Sec of the Hurunui Racing Club for 12 years and was also Sec of the Amuri Turf Club.

C R Caverhill, who knew him at Hawkeswood says "He managed Balmoral for at least 30 years. Besides being a great horseman, including rough riding, he was a noted whip in his day and drove a four-in-hand on special occasions. When I was about 14 he invited me to spend a few days at Balmoral. He had just broken in Grey Monus (Traducer - Lady Grey), bred at Hawkeswood and while I was there I was allowed as a great honour to have a ride on the iron grey.

He once rode a match against a commercial traveller who had a horse he fancied. William Thomson rode Grey Monus. The match was from the Hurunui Hotel to Christchurch and he won by 3 miles. He was a follower of the Brackenfield Hounds and the Hunt always had some meets in the Amuri.

Balmoral shore 36,000 sheep in the 1890's (see a sheepshearing case LT 12.12.1894) He was chairman and Sec of the Amuri Saleyards Co.

He also did a lot for the Hurinui Racing Club and the Amuri Turf Club. He was a recognised judge for various racing clubs.

He was Capt. of the Amuri Mounted Rifles and Hon Vet Surgeon to the Corps. He married in 1879 Jane Bigg-Wither. She was born 16.9.1857 and died. 26.8.1929

He died at Auckland on the way to a trip to Australia 9.6.1908 aged 57, buried Papanui Cemetery

Only son Arthur Shirley educated Christ's College 1895-99: 8th NZ Contingent SA War. farmer. married 10.9.08 Lillian Grace eldest dau Francis Gibson, Parsinson of Riversleigh, Avonside.

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