Mr. Richard Fairbrother, who was the first Mayor of Carterton, a position which he occupied for six years, was one of the pioneer settlers in the borough. Born in 1826 in London, he enlisted in the 49th Regiment and served in India and China, but was never in an engagement, although at the front. Returning, he was stationed in Ireland, where he married, and after a short time in Greece, finding his family increasing, he decided to buy out. On leaving, his commander commended him publicly for his steadiness and thrift. After a short time in the grocery business in London Mr. Fairbrother came to New Zealand in 1856 in the ship “Ann Wilson.” Settling in the Wairarapa he opened a store in Greytown, and worked some time on the roads. Subsequently removing to Carterton—then known as the “Three Mile Bush”—he took up land, and, when the township was laid out, established a general store, to which the post-office, was soon attached. Mr. Fairbrother always took a deep interest in local politics. He promoted the first school in the bush by raising subscriptions, drew the memorial for naming the locality, assisted in the erection of the town hall, was captain of the volunteer corps, and for thirteen years was chairman of the Town Board before the foundation of the borough. In church affairs he was for many years minister's churchwarden of St. Mark's Church. Mr. Fairhrother died in May, 1892, leaving his widow with six sons and three daughters, all grown up.

Mr. Alfred Booth, ex-Mayor of Carterton, is a brother of Mr. William Booth, J.P., one of the directors of the Bank of New Zealand. Born in Lancashire, England, in 1848, Mr. Booth received his early education in his native county, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1860. He entered into farming pursuits and settled in Carterton in 1874. Subsequently he went into partnership with his brother in the sawmilling business under the style of William Booth and Company, retiring from the business in 1891. He has since engaged in sheep-farming on his station “Middle Run,” Hawarden, near Gladstone, where he has erected one of the finest residences in the district. Mr. Booth succeeded page 905 the late Mr. Richard Fairbrother as mayor of the borough of Carterton. He was also a member of the Borough Council for some years, and for six years was chairman of the Clareville School Committee. He is a Past Master of the Order of Freemasons, being attached to the Carterton Lodge, and is a member of the local rifle club. Mr. Booth is married, and has nine children.