Title: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Author: Cyclopedia Company Limited

Publication details: The Cyclopedia Company, Limited, 1897, Wellington

Part of: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand

License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 New Zealand Licence

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Freeth, Charles James, Licensed Native Interpreter, Government Insurance Buildings, Panama Street, Wellington. Private residence, Oriental Bay. Mr. Freeth is an old colonist. Born in Birmingham, England, he arrived in Wellington in February, 1857, per ship “Indian Queen.” He studied the Maori tongue at Putiki, near Wanganui, and was soon recognised as an interpreter to the Supreme and R.M. Courts. Mr. Freeth settled in the Rangitikei District, taking up 500 acres of land, which he farmed for twenty years. During this time the Maori troubles took place, and the subject of this notice served for fifteen years in the Union Corps of Rangitikei Rifles, and for five years more in other companies in different parts of the North Island winning several first, and many other valuable prizes in shooting competitions. As a settler he had many experiences of the difficulties of a pioneer life. In 1883 Mr. Freeth took out his first license as a native interpreter under the Native Land Act, and has since practised his profession in the Wairarapa and Wellington. Mr. Freeth is also artistically inclined, and for a long time has held classes for instruction in perspective, figure, and art drawing.