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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

[Farmers]

Bremer Bros. (Robert and Louis Bremer), Farmers, “Kohi Noor,” Kohi, near Waverley. The freehold property has about 1000 acres, and carries 250 head of cattle and over 2000 purebred Lincoln sheep. As prize-breeders of pure-bred shorthorn cattle and of sheep Messrs. Bremer Bros, are well known along the West Coast. Mr. Robert Bremer, who is a son of Mr. Philip Bremer, was born in 1854 in Adelaide. He came to this Colony when quite young, and spent part of his early life at Marton. The family removed to Waverley in 1876. and some years later (in conjunction with his brother Louis) Mr. Bremer took over the farm. He has been a
Mr. R. Bremer.

Mr. R. Bremer.

member of the Wairoa Light Horse for twenty-two years, has gained the long-service medal, and holds the office of senior sergeant. In local affairs he has been prominent as chairman of the Kohi Road Board for some time, and also as steward of the Waverley-Waitotara Racing Club, and is at present a member of the Patea County Council. Mr. Bremer is married to a daughter of Mr. James Dickie, junr., and has one son.

Chowen, John, Parmer, Waverley. Mr. Chowen was born in 1854 in Devonshire, where he was educated. Having been brought up to agricultural life, he came to New Zealand in 1879 and found employment in the district. Three years after his arrival Mr. Chowen joined the late Mr. R. McIntosh as working partner, which position he held till 1890, and on Mr. McIntosh's death in that year Mr. Chowen became possessed of the estate of 340 acres. Mr. Chowen is married to a daughter of Mr. William Guest, who resides with his son in-law. In all matters connected with his district Mr. Chowen takes an intelligent interest, but so far has refused to enter into local politics of any kind, preferring to devote his attention to the management of his beautiful farm.

Mr. J. Chowen.

Mr. J. Chowen.

Coghill, David, Farmer, “Emoh,” Waverley. Born in Geelong, Victoria, in 1866, Mr. Coghill was educated chiefly at Wellington College. He became a cadet on a farm, and afterwards acquired his present holding of 329 acres freehold and 140 acres leasehold, which is in an advanced state of cultivation, carrying about 1200 sheep (400 of which are ewes with lambs), thirty head of cattle, and twelve horses. There are forty acres under grain crop, and forty acres under swedes and turnips. Mr. Coghill, who was married in 1893, was at one time a prominent footballer, cricketer, and Volunteer. He played three-quarter in the famous Taranaki team that defeated Stoddart's All England Fifteen, when the latter visited New Zealand in 1888. In Volunteering he has been best page 1482 known as a member of the Wairoa Mounted Rifles. Although having retired from the football field, he still takes an active part in tennis and cricket.

Mr. D. Coghill.

Mr. D. Coghill.

Death, George, Farmer, “Lake House,” Waverley. Mr. Death is the second son of the late Mr. George Death, farmer, of Drinkstone, Suffolk, where he was born in 1831. Educated at Woolpit,
Mr. G. Death.

Mr. G. Death.

Mrs. G. Death.

Mrs. G. Death.

page 1483
Mr. G. Death's Family in 1894.

Mr. G. Death's Family in 1894.

he arrived in the Colony in 1856 in the “Hastings.” Settling in Waverley in 1885, he took up his present property of 850 acres. The homestead has about fifteen rooms, and is recognised as one of the finest residences between Wanganui and Hawera. Mr. Death has been a member of the Patea County Council for nine-and-a-half years, and has also filled many other offices on local boards.

Fleming, David, Sheep and Cattle-breeder, ‘Clairmont,” Waverley. A very picturesque farm of 650 acres, where some of the finest Lincoln sheep and shorthorn cattle in the district have been bred, is owned by this old settler, who hails from Forfarshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1838. His early recollections as a boy were of herding sheep, and before leaving his native heath he was with several of the best breeders of shorthorn and polled-angus cattle. In 1861 Mr. Fleming went to South Africa, where for the greater part of five years he was manager of a large sheep and cattle run. Landing in 1866 at Auckland and finding depression supreme, he went to Hawkes Bay, where he was on the late Sir Donald McLean's station for three years, afterwards farming on his own account for four years. In 1874 he bought his property at Waverley and came to live on it, bringing the pick of his shorthorns with him. Mr. Fleming has taken many prizes for his shorthorns and Lincolns at the various shows. As a public man, he was for nine years in the Patea County Council, and for fifteen years on the Wairoa, Waitotara, and Whenuakura road boards, of the last of which he was chairman till 1893, when he took a trip to see Bonnie Scotland, going through America and spending a week at the Chicago Exhibition, and returning by Suez and Australia.

Mr. D. Fleming.

Mr. D. Fleming.

Hone, William, Settler, Kohi. Born in 1845 in Warwickshire, England, where he was educated, Mr. Hone came to page 1484 William Hone New Zealand in 1862, and was on the Otago gold-diggings when the “gold fever” was at its height. After some time on the goldfields he went to the Waikato, and served with the military settlers through the war. He afterwards journeyed to Australia in search of the “precious metal,” but soon returned to New Zealand. In 1866 he came to the Waverley District and bought land at Kohi, where he erected and started the first flourmill. Four years afterwards he settled down to farming pursuits at the Kohi. Mr. Home is of an inventive turn of mind, having designed several useful things, prominent among which may be mentioned the wool-press which Messrs. Taylor and Bremner now manufacture. Mr. Hone finds plenty of employment on his properties at Kohi and Waverley.

Hunter, John, Farmer, “Putihi,” Karahaka, near Waverley. Mr. Hunter, whose farm consists of 450 acres of fine land, well stocked with sheep and cattle, was born in 1840 in Ayrshire, Scotland, and was educated at the Ayr Academy. For some years Mr. Hunter was in a mercantile house, but in 1876 he came to the Antipodes by the s.s. “Kent,” arriving at Melbourne. He did not stay long in that city, having decided to make New Zealand his home. After settling in Wanganui he kept an hotel for ten years. Mr. Hunter has occupied his farm as above since 1894. In local politics Mr. Hunter is a member of the Wairoa Road Board.

McIntosh, Robert, Farmer, Waverley. This well-known and highly-respected settler was born in 1833 in Aberdeenshire, where he was educated, being placed at an early age with Messrs. Duthie, of Aberdeen, to learn the business of ship's carpenter. Remaining with them several years, he left to go to sea as ship's carpenter, but not liking a seafaring life, and hearing some talk of New Zealand, he sailed for the Colony, being among the early arrivals. Landing in Wellington, he went to Wanganui, where he at once started work as a carpenter. In the troublous times that followed, Mr. McIntosh served as a Volunteer. After an experience on the Otago goldfields, where he spent some time and did fairly well, he returned to Wanganui. Hearing of land for selection in the Waverley District, he invested in a block of 300 acres, to which he afterwards added forty acres, and which he named “Pittinkirrie.” In 1879 he erected a commodious and well-appointed residence of eight rooms, which is beautifully situated, and here he settled down to the business of farming. In 1885 he took a trip to England and Scotland, being absent for about eight months, and after his return he lived very quietly until his death on the 2nd of October, 1890. Mr. McIntosh, though never taking any prominent part in public matters, was a man who gained the esteem of all who knew him, and his death was the occasion of widespread regret. He was known as a good friend and neighbour, and a man whose word was his bond. His partner, Mr. Chowen, now lives on the property, which is justly regarded as one of the finest farms in the district.

Palmer, William, Farmer, “Mount Pleasant,” Moturoa, Waverley. Born in 1837 in Stanstead, Essex, and educated at the parish school, he joined the Royal Navy and went out to China in H.M.S. “Princess Charlotte” in 1858. He saw considerable service on the China and Indian stations, and was on the latter during the Mutiny. Eventually the vessel he was serving on was sent to New Zealand, and Mr. Palmer was among those landed in Taranaki to fight the Maoris. He took part in a number of engagements, and, when peace was restored, remained in New Zealand about a year, and then returned with his ship to England. In 1865 he came back to New Zealand, and after many varied experiences, soldiering again and driving provisions to the front, he settled in Waverley, where he engaged in farming and butchering. Mrs. Palmer, whose portrait is given here with Mr. Palmer, died in November, page 1485 1896. She was well known and respected throughout the district as the woman who fearlessly stuck to her house while war was being waged all around, and endeared herself to the troops engaged in the locality by her many kind offices to the injured, and her kindness in extending hospitality to the many wayfarers who sought the protection of her house. Mr. Palmer now lives six-and-a-half miles from Waverley, and has a farm 1075 acres in extent, partly bush-land. On this he has depastured 2500 sheep, twelve head of cattle, and twelve horses. He crops about forty acres yearly. His family consists of seven children, six of whom are at home assisting. Mr. Palmer has held a seat on the Waverley Town Board, but leaves public matters now to his eldest son.

Mr. and Mrs. W. Palmer.

Mr. and Mrs. W. Palmer.

Riddell, James, Settler, “Kenilworth,” near Waverley. Mr. Riddell has two farms aggregating 1650 acres, besides a property at Kohi managed by his son James. He shears annually about 6400 sheep and 3000 lambs. He was born in 1831 at Roxburghshire, Scotland, and was educated there. On completing his education he was employed as a shepherd in the North of Scotland, and came to New Zealand in 1859 in the “Matoka.” Arrived at Wellington he was employed by Mr. G. Hunter, and was shepherd and manager for him for fourteen-and-a-half years. He then went to Waitotara and took up some land, which after three years he was compelled to leave owing to Maori troubles, after which the Government exchanged 600 acres near Waverley in equivalent. A few years later he bought 375 acres, also another section of 100 acres, and within recent years he obtained 1048 acres at Kohi. In 1891 he went Home for a pleasure trip. He is a member of the Kohi Road Board. Mr. Riddell was married in Scotland, and has one daughter and three sons.

Mr. J. Riddell.

Mr. J. Riddell.

Riddell, James, junr., Sheepfarmer, Kohi, Waverley. In partnership with his father, Mr. Riddell owns a very fine property of over 1000 acres, which carries a flock of 2400 sheep and 100 head of cattle. Mr. Riddell hails from Caithness, where he was born in 1857. Coming to New Zealand with his parents in the ship “Matoka” when two years of age, he was educated in Wellington
Mr. J. Riddell, Junior.

Mr. J. Riddell, Junior.

page 1486 at the college and grammar school, and came up to Waitotara many years ago, purchasing the property now occupied by him in 1890. Mrs. Riddell is a daughter of Mr. J. McLean, of Waverley, and the family consists of three sons and three daughters. In local politics Mr. Riddell has taken his part, serving as a member of the Patea County Council for some years, as a member of the Wairoa Road Board and as chairman of the Kohi School Committee. As a Volunteer, he has been many years in the Wairoa Mounted Rifles, and has just been elected to the post of lieutenant. He takes a great interest in religious matters, and is an elder in the local Presbyterian church.

Saunders, George, Sheepfarmer, “Rata Park,” Kohi, Waverley. “Rata Park” is a compact estate of 374 acres, which carries 700 Lincoln sheep and sixty head of cattle. Mr. Saunders was born in 1851 in Devonshire, and arrived in New Zealand per ship “Bombay” in 1862. After five years as a digger on the West Coast, he went to the Thames, remaining in the Auckland District for three years, and settling in the Waverley District soon afterwards. Mr. Saunders has done good service for his district as a member of the Wairoa Road Board for seven years. He has always assisted local affairs, such as the Farmers' Dairy Union and the freezing companies. Mr. Saunders married a daughter of Mr. A. McDonald, a well-known Auckland settler.

Strachan, Alexander, Farmer, “Silverstream,” Waverley. A native of Perthshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1846, this old colonist came to New Zealand with his parents in the ship “Agra,” when but five years old. He was educated in the Colony, and till twenty years ago resided in Wanganui. After ten years at Okoia Mr. Strachan came to Waverley, acquiring his farm of 800 acres, where he depastures about 1400 crossbred sheep and 150 horses and cattle. He is well known as a breeder of horses and cattle, with which he has been successful as a prize-winner. In the early days Mr. Strachan served as a defender of his country, taking part in the fights of Nukumaru and Kakaramea, besides other engagements. He was for many years a member of the Alexandra Cavalry. He has willingly given his service to the public, having acted as a member of the Okoia Road Board and School Committee for several years, of the Patea County Council for three years, of the Wanganui Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and on many other local bodies. He has also taken part as a member of the Wanganui Agricultural and Pastoral Society, and is a steward of the Momahaki Jockey Club. Mr. Strachan married a Scotch lady—Miss Clark—and has five sons and a daughter.

Photo by A. Martin. Mr. A. Strachan.

Photo by A. Martin.
Mr. A. Strachan
.

Symes, Oscar, Farmer, Waverley. Born in Somersetshire in 1850, Mr. Symes is the fourth son of the late Mr. Francis Symes, who came to Wellington in 1857 in the ship “Ann Wilson.” The subject of this notice was educated in Taranaki and Wanganui, and spent his younger days on his father's farm. In 1873 he acquired the property known as “Hayes”, comprising 492 acres, and now has a fine estate, shearing from 1500 to 2000 sheep annually, besides having a dairy herd of seventy cows, the milk of which is sent to the Patea Dairy Association Creamery at Whenuakura. In local politics, Mr. Symes is chairman of the Wairoa Road Board, and is also a member of the Patea County Council. He takes great interest in racing, and has been a steward of the Waverley Racing Club since its foundation.

Photo by A. Martin. Mr. O. Symes.

Photo by A. Martin.
Mr. O. Symes
.

Te Pare Estate, Waverley,—the property of Mr. W. M. Hannay, General Manager of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company—consists of 800 acres of freehold land, formerly lush. It is being gradually cleared, and thirty acres are cropped yearly; 2000 sheep, sixty head of cattle, and ten horses depasture on the estate page 1487 Besides the manager (Mr. J. W. Kemp) and Mr. A. Hannay, two men are employed in working the farm.

Mr. John Watt Kemp, who was appointed Manager of the Te Pare Estate in 1895, is a native of Aberdeen. Educated at a local parish school, he worked on his father's farm till 1881, when he came to Port Chalmers. Soon afterwards he settled in Wanganui, afterwards serving successively four years with Mr. Matheson, of Waverley, two years with Mr. Moore-Hunter, of Hawera, and four years with Mr. Coghill, at Waverley. Mr. Kemp leased a farm at Waverley, which, however, he relinquished after three years, owing to ill-health. Mr. Kemp was married in 1891 to an Aberdeen lady. He takes a keen interest in Presbyterian Church matters.

Mr. Alexander Hannay, who is the son of Mr. W. M. Hannay, proprietor of the Te Pare Estate, was born in 1873 in Glasgow. Coming to Wellington at an early age with his father, he was educated at Wellington College. Mr. Hannay is gaining experience in pastoral pursuits on this fine property. As a footballer he was conspicuous during his term at school, and afterwards played for the Selwyn Club, Wellington; he is presently a member of the Waverley Football Club.

Walker, James, Farmer, Kohi, Waverley. Mr. Walker is the son of Mr. Alexander Walker, who was one of the earliest settlers in the district. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1857, the subject of this sketch accompanied his parents to New Zealand in his early years. In 1881 he acquired 400 acres at the Kohi, near Waverley, where he has a beautiful farm devoted to the breeding of Lincoln sheep, besides cattle and horses, for the latter of which he has gained much renown. Mr. Walker has been a member of the Wairoa Road Board since its formation in 1888. He is also a member of the Kohi School Committee. Mr. Walker was married to a daughter of Mr. James Riddell, of Waverley, but this lady died in 1894, leaving four daughters and one son to mourn their loss.

Mr. J. Walker.

Mr. J. Walker.

Watkins, William Henry, Sheepfarmer, Kohi, Waverley. The subject of this sketch has a compact estate of 425 acres, purchased in 1887, in the Kohi District, where he resides with his father. Born in Napier in 1867, and educated at Waverley, he takes a keen and intelligent interest in all local matters. For a William Henry Watkins page 1488 considerable period he has been a member of the Kohi Road Board. In sport he takes a great interest, having been one of the founders of the Kohi Sports Club, of whose committee he is an active member. In Volunteer circles he has been prominent for twelve years as a member of the Wairoa Mounted Rifles, of which he is now sergeant. Mr. Watkins is one of the largest suppliers of the local creamery. He has been settled in the Kohi District for twenty-five years.

Wilson, Frederic, Farmer, “Raithby,” Waverley, The sixth son of the late Mr. J. W. Wilson, solicitor, the subject of this notice was born at Louth, Lincolnshire, in 1855. He was educated at King Edward VI. Grammar School, famous on account of the many distinguished persons who were educated there, including Lord Tennyson, Sir John Franklyn, and Hood, and the present Bishop of Melbourne, who also served his articles in the office of Mr. Wilson's grandfather. After three years in India in a mercantile house, Mr. Wilson came to New Zealand in 1880 to join his brother at Waverley. About seven years afterwards he took up the property of 463 acres which he now works. Mr. Wilson, who takes an interest in sport as a member of the Waverley Jockey Club, enjoyed a trip to England in 1891.

Mr. F. Wilson.

Mr. F. Wilson.

Wybourne, Manley Horton, Sheep-farmer, “Brookvale,” Waverley. The subject of this notice is the eldest son of the late Mr W. C. Wybourne, who came to New Zealand in 1842 and settled in Wanganui, where the subject of this notice was born in 1852. Educated in his native town, he was brought up to farming pursuits. In 1873 he acquired his present property of 393 acres in the Waverley District, which is fully cleared and cultivated. He is well known as a breeder of Lincoln sheep, and breeds rams for crossbred purposes. Mr. Wybourne is married, and has seven children.