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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Clevedon

Clevedon.

Clevedon, also known as Wairoa South, is one of the most charming and prosperous districts around Auckland, and although one of the earliest settlements, its scenic beauties and attractions are still comparatively unknown to a large number of Aucklanders. It is easy of access by both land and water, as it lies twenty-eight miles to the south of Auckland, on the Waitemata, and is within seven miles of the Papakura railway station. Wairoa South, of which Clevedon is the post office town, forms part of the lovely and fertile valley which stretches from the Hauraki Gulf to the Manukau harbour, and is about four miles across at its broadest part. The river Wairoa meanders through the valley, taking its rise from the high ranges towards the coast, and discharges into the Hauraki Gulf. Clothed on both sides with the lovely toi-toi and weeping willows,
Wairoa South.

Wairoa South.

page 664 every bend of the river opens up new scenes of beauty, and the hills on both sides are covered with bush and tree ferns. The fertility of the valley is evidenced by the remarkable luxuriance of the grass and the sleek, fat appearance of the cattle, and the prosperity of the district is apparent in the well kept farms and handsome residences which dot the landscape. Deposits of sulphur, coal, manganese, iron, and limestone have been found in the surrounding hills, and probably the time is not far distant when large companies will open and develop the rich mineral resources of Wairoa South. In 1853 the two first pioneers of the district, the late Mr. Duncan McNicol and Mr. George Hoye, after landing in Auckland from Australia, went in a canoe to inspect the valley, with the object of taking up land and making a home. They were impressed with the evident fertility of the soil, and purchased about 1100 acres on the east side of the river. The land was then covered by dense and heavy bush, and the low lying parts were in the condition of a swamp. A large number of Maoris then lived in the district, of which they were, in fact, the owners. After a visit to Auckland, the pioneers returned to Wairoa in their canoe, accompanied by Mrs McNicol, who is still (July, 1901) hale and hearty, and held in the greatest esteem and veneration by all who have the pleasure of her acquaintance. Undeterred by the numerous hardships and difficulties of early pioneering, with no roads, and every requisite to be brought from Auckland, Messrs McNicol and Hoye persevered, and in a few years fenced paddocks, covered with grass and carrying both sheep and cattle, began to intersperse the bush with open sunny spaces. The fertility of the soil soon attracted a population, and after years of patient toil Wairoa became transformed and is now a proof of the perseverance of the early pioneers; and those of them who have not passed away now enjoy a well-earned rest among the scenes of their early difficulties, which included trouble with the Maoris, accompanied with danger and many hair breadth escapes. Clevedon is a pretty little village, about seven miles from the mouth of the Wairoa river, and contains several fine stores, a first-class well-kept hotel, public hall and library, a Masonic hall, an Anglican church, fine schools, and a post and telegraph and money order office. It is expected that it will shortly be connected by telephone with Auckland.

The Wairoa Road Board held its first meeting in 1861, when Mr. Cochrane was elected chairman. A levy of 6d per acre was struck, and returned £240 on the 9628 acres. Ten years later rates collected on the value of the property at 1d per pound realised £161; rates now collected at £3/4d per £ bring in £277. There are eighty miles of roads in the district, and about thirty miles are metalled. The district's present ratable value is £90,000. Mr. Henry Walsh, J.P., is chairman; Mr. Samuel Browne, clerk; and Mr. William Coates, treasurer.

Mr. Henry Walsh, J.P., Chairman of the Wairoa Road Board, “Kauri Clump, Wairoa, son of the late Mr. Patrick Walsh, was born at Howick in 1852. On leaving school he started farming at Maraetai, where he successfully farmed for seven years. He then disposed of his farm, and went to Gisborne, where he became a successful contractor on a large scale. After seven years' prosperous contracting, Mr. Walsh removed to Wairoa, and purchased his present fine estate, which was then covered with heavy bush. About 600 acres of his property have been cleared and sown in grass, on which he now rears mobs of sheep and cattle. His residence commands an extensive and beautiful view of the valley. Mr. Walsh has been for years a member of the Wairoa school committee. He was first elected a member of the Wairoa Road Board in 1893, and in 1896 he was elected chairman, and again re-elected in 1900 and 1901. During his chairmanship Mr. Walsh has looked well after the roads, the condition of which reflects the greatest credit on him and his fellow members and their predecessors. He was the principal promoter of the prosperous Steam Navigation Company, and in its early days was its managing director. The company has been a great boon, and has greatly helped the material prosperity of the district. Mr. Walsh is a member of Lodge Wairoa, has passed through all the chairs, and at present holds office in the Grand Lodge. He is married, and has a family of ten children. His two eldest sons are also married, and own large farms in the district.

Hanna, photo.Mr. H. Walsh.

Hanna, photo.Mr. H. Walsh.

Mr. Samuel Browne, Clerk to the Wairoa South Road Board, and son of the late Mr. F. H. Browne, one of the pioneers of the colony, was born in 1865 at Wairoa. After leaving school, he spent two years in Australia, and on his return to New Zealand started farming at Wairoa. He is a very energetic and representative settler, and has been connected with the Wairoa South Road Board for several years. Mr. Browne has been clerk of the Board, and during three years of that period, has held the position of secretary to the conference of Road Boards since its initiation. The conference is held at Papakura, that being the most central town for the county of Manukau. Mr. Browne has been honorary secretary of the Auckland Farmers' Cooperative Society, Limited, since its formation, and is the honorary treasurer to the New Zealand Farmers' Union, and a member of the Fruitgrowers' Association. He has also been a member of the Wairoa Public Hall and Library Committee for a number of years.

Franklin Mounted Rifles. This corps was gazetted on the 16th of May, 1900, and the present officers are: Captain Leddra Wallis, and Lieutenants W. J. Hyde, A. C. Shaw, and R. R. Martin; total strength, seventy-nine. In 1868 the Wairoa Rifle volunteer Corps was formed, and continued in existence till 1892, when, owing to the want of inducement on the part of the Government to the volunteer cause, the Wairoa Volunteers disbanded. Captains Cochrane, Wallis, Bain, Crawford, and Crighton were successively in command. A revival in volunteering took place previous to the Transvaal war, and on the 31st of March, 1900, a meeting was held at Clevedon to consider the advisability of forming a volunteer corps in the Wairoa South district; Mr. Leddra Wallis occupying the chair. A motion was unanimously carried to form a Mounted Rifle Corps, and at the meeting forty-six gave in their names as being willing to join. A committee was formed to canvass the district, and, when sufficient names were obtained, to offer the company's services to the Government. On the 2nd of June, 1900, a meeting of intending members of the Franklin Mounted Rifles was held, when Captain Reid was present, and sixty men were sworn in. Captain Fawcett was elected captain, but resigned in February, 1901, and was succeeded by Captain Wallis, who had previously held the rank of first lieutenant in the corps. In connection with the old volunteer corps there was a drum and fife page 665 band, which went out of existence on the disbandment of the corps. The present brass band comprises eighteen instruments, and the members are instructed once a fortnight by Bandmaster Hulse. The funds for the band were raised by public subscription, and the proceeds are vested in five trustees, of whom Captain Wallis is one.

Captain Leddra Wallis, of the Franklin Mounted Rifles, is the youngest son of the late Mr. T. L. Wallis, an old and much respected resident of the Wairoa district. He was born in 1867, and after receiving his education at Wairoa, he started farming. On the death of his father in 1889, Mr. Wallis managed the estate, which he succeeded to on the death of his mother in 1900. Mr. Wallis has been one of the progressive spirits of the district, and has taken his share in all matters for the advancement of Wairoa. With the volunteer movement he has been long identified, and first joined the Wairoa Rifles movement in March, 1885. He left that corps on its disbandment, with the rank of lieutenant, and shortly after the formation of the present corps he was unanimously elected captain, being recognised as a thoroughly good and painstaking officer. He has been treasurer of the Wairoa South Public Hall since 1892. Captain Wallis has been connected with all local sports, and is still (1901) unmarried.

Hanna, photo.Captain L. Wallis.

Hanna, photo.
Captain L. Wallis.

Lieutenant William John Hyde, of the Franklin Mounted Rifles, is the only son of Mr. Thomas Hyde, one of the pioneers of the district. He was born at Wairoa in 1870, brought up to farming, and is now known as one of the most successful and enterprising young settlers in the district. Mr. Hyde joined the Wairoa Rifles in 1887, and when they were disbanded in 1892 he held the rank of colour-sergeant. On the formation of the present corps, Mr. Hyde was appointed second lieutenant, and advanced later on to the rank of the lieutenant. He is a well known shot, and holds two medals won in shooting competitions; and he has always been identified with local sports and athletic games. Mr. Hyde has been a member of the Wairoa Road Board. He married Miss No[unclear: bl]e, a young lady of the district, and has a family of two. Mr. Hyde resides at “Riversdale,” Wairoa.

Hanna, photo.Lieutenant W. J. Hyde.

Hanna, photo.
Lieutenant W. J. Hyde.

Lieutenant Andrew Shaw, of the Franklin Mounted Rifles, is a son of the late Mr. Thomas Shaw, one of the early settlers of Wairoa South. He was born in Auckland in 1865, and educated at Wairoa. Since leaving school he has been successfully engaged in farming, and succeeded to his present fine property on the death of his father. Mr. Shaw has been an ardent volunteer. He served for twelve years in the late Wairoa Rifle Volunteers, and when that corps was disbanded in 1892, he held the rank of sergeant. On the formation of the present corps he was elected sergeant-major, and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 1901. He has been a member of the Wairoa school committee since its inception. Mr. Shaw is a well known athlete, and holds the record in New Zealand for the mile race. Of football and cricket he is an enthusiastic patron, and has been handicapper to the Wairoa Athletic Club since its formation in 1893. This club was first formed by a donation of £27 handed over by the late Wairoa Rifles. It holds its annual sports on New Year's Day, and the large attendance testifies to the popularity of the games. Mr. Shaw is married, and has one child.

Hanna, photo.Lieutenant A. Shaw.

Hanna, photo.
Lieutenant A. Shaw.

The Wairoa South Farmers' Club was started in November, 1900, with the object of fostering agricultural and pastoral interests in New Zealand, more especially in the Wairoa South and surrounding districts, also to promote, support, or oppose legislative or other measures affecting the agricultural and pastoral interests; to collect and circulate statistics or other information relating to agricultural and pastoral industries; and exchange information with similar clubs, societies, or the Government Departments of Agriculture in this and other countries; to establish a library or museum of models, specimens, or drawings of articles of interest to farmers; to promote the means of communication, and to place the sale, conveyance, and the purchase of materials required by agriculturists on a satisfactory basis; to act as agents on behalf of members of the club, especially in regard to the sale and purchase of farmers' tools and requisites. This club, which is registered, has at present (July, 1901) 100 members. Mr. J. S. Wilson is chairman; Mr. Harold Burgoyne, secretary; and Mr. A. Schmitt, treasurer. At present the club is affiliated with the New Zealand Farmers' Union, the Waikato Farmers' Club, and the Auckland Agricultural Association. So far considerable concessions have been obtained from various merchants and tradesmen in Auckland, in regard to the purchase of goods and centralising the disposal of farm produce. Steps are being taken for procuring suitable stud stock to improve the breed of stock in the district. Meetings are held monthly at the Clevedon Public Hall, and the propects of the club are most promising.

Mr. Aloys Schmitt, Treasurer of this Club, is the eldest son of the late Professor Carl Schmitt, and was born at Ballarat, Victoria, in 1866, and educated at Launceston Church Grammar School. He came with his parents to New Zealand in 1883, and entered commercial life, first in the office of Messrs A. Buckland and Son, and afterwards in the National Insurance Company. In 1887 Mr. Schmitt went to Wairoa to carry on farming. His farm of about 280 acres, which he carries on in conjunction with his brother, Mr. C. page 666 Schmitt, is one of the most fertile in the district, and although comparatively unimproved when taken possession of, the industry of the Messrs Schmitt has converted the estate into rich pasture land, and the property has the reputation of being a splendid dairy farm. Clumps of native bush have judiciously been left, both for ornament and shelter. Mr. A. Schmitt since his arrival in Wairoa South has taken a keen and prominent part in all affairs relating to the progress and advancement of the district. He originated the Wairoa carrying business, which was successfully carried on until it was supplanted by the Clevedon Steam Navigation Company; he was also one of the principal initiators of the Farmers' Club, and without doubt a great amount of the success of the club is due to his efforts. At present, in conjunction with his brother, Mr. C. Schmitt, he has started a bacon curing establishment, which promises to be a great success, and ought to prove a boon to the district. The bacon, in appearance and flavour, is equal to the best Canterbury. Mr. Schmitt is possessed of considerable literary ability, and is the Wairoa correspondent of the “New Zealand Herald.” He is also secretary to the Clevedon school committee; is a Mason of some years' standing, and has held the position of secretary to Lodge Wairoa, No. 55, for a number of years. Mr. Schmitt is married to a daughter of the late Dr. Hale, who was one of the most prominent residents of the Wairoa district, and has a family of four children.

Wairoa South Butter Factory, Clevedon. Registered Brand: A mitre—No. 96. The buildings, which are very spacious, were originally built for a cheese factory but have since been converted into a butter factory. The main building, 90 by 30 feet, has fine concrete floors, and an unlimited supply of the purest water. There are two creameries to supply the factory, and two more are being erected for next season; the district extends over a radius of eight miles, and the output in 1900–1901 amounted to forty-five tons. The power is derived from a six horse-power engine, working two Alpha de Laval separators, capable of separating 260 gallons per hour. The farmers are paid at per pound of butter fat, and also receive the skimmed milk. The butter is shipped to London, and sold locally, where the brand holds a high reputation. It is packed both in bulk and pound squares, in neat 56-pound boxes. The factory has had a varied career, and, after passing through several hands, it was ultimately acquired by Mr. McKnight in 1893, and under his capable management it has been a complete success and a boon to the settlers.

Wairoa South Butter Factory.

Wairoa South Butter Factory.

Mr. James McKnight, Proprietor of the Factory, is a native of Ayrshire, Scotland, where he learned the profession of a mechanical engineer. He left Scotland for America, where he worked as a mechanical engineer in various States, and subsequently held the position of engineer in a large sugar plantation in Peru. After returning to Glasgow, about 1880, he went to the Sandwich Islands, where he erected large sugar-planting machinery. Then, after a trip Home, he went to Fiji, where he also erected sugar planting machinery. Mr. McKnight came to New Zealand in 1886 on a visit from Fiji. He then went from Fiji to Queensland, where he remained one year. Returning to New Zealand, he married Miss McNicol, daughter of the late Mr. Duncan McNicol, one of the pioneers of Wairoa South, and by this marriage he has two daughters. Mr. McKnight revisited North Queensland, where he was first engaged in a sugar plantation, and afterwards started the importation of New Zealand butter, and remained there four years, working a very successful trade. On finally returning to New Zealand in 1892, he went to Clevedon, and, acquiring the butter factory, started operations in September, 1894. Through great initial difficulties he worked the business into the thoroughly successful reputation it now holds. Mr. McKnight has been chairman of the local school committee for four years.

Waters, Captain Alfred, “Riverside,” Clevedon. Captain Waters is the youngest son of the late Thomas Waters, of Stratford Sub-Castle, Wiltshire, England. His early life was passed in the mercantile marine service in the East Indian trade. After coming to Australia, he remained in the coastal trade for some years, and afterwards went to California, on which coast he remained until 1878. On retiring from the sea he returned to England, where he spent these years. Captain Waters came to New Zealand in 1880, and passed two years in Dunedin, and the two following years in Timaru. He removed to Auckland in 1885, and after residing for about two years in the city, he removed to Hoteo, where for seven years he carried on farming. In 1894 Captain Waters moved to Clevedon, and purchased his present property at Riverside. Captain Waters was chairman of the school committee, a churchwarden in the Church of England, and Deputy Registrar at Hoteo, but since his arrival at Clevedon, he has steadily held aloof from local matters. He married, in 1879, Miss Alice Waldby (a lady possessing great musical abilities), eldest daughter of Thomas Waldby, Margate, England, and cousin to the late Lord Leighton, and also to the late Sir Michael Faraday. Twelve children were the issue of this marriage, of whom nine are now alive—four sons and five daughters.

Wilson, James Edward, Farmer, “Rowan Deer,” Wairoa South. Mr. Wilson is a son of Mr. Robert Wilson, M.A., teacher of the parish school at Deer, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and brother of Dr. Wilson, of Deer; Mr. Douglas R. Wilson, stockbroker, of San Francisco; Mr. G. J. Wilson, brewer and distiller, of Deer; Mr. W. S. Wilson, M.A., teacher of Languages at St. Petersburg; Mr. H. B. Wilson, M.A., Aratapu; and Miss Wilson, an accomplished musician, of Vienna. Mr. Wilson was born in the parish of Deer, Aberdeenshire, in 1858, and educated under his father. He was brought up to farming, and, as he intended coming to New Zealand, learned the building trade at Home, previous to his departure for this colony. He came to Auckland by the ship “May Queen,” to take up his present farm at Wairoa, which had been previously purchased in Scotland by his father, who had intended coming personally to New Zealand. On his arrival in Wairoa he joined his brother, Mr. Fred Wilson, who had arrived there five years previously. His brother subsequently disposed of his interest in the farm, and entered mercantile life in Auckland. Mr. Wilson stumped fenced, cleared, and drained the farm, and built his present house and outbuildings, and now carries on mixed farming on 214 acres, one of the choicest farms in the district. He was connected with the volunteers for over sixteen years, and when he left the Wairoa Rifles, he held the rank of sergeant. Mr. Wilson is a good shot, with rifle and fowling piece, and won a prize of £4 10s and a hand some clock, for the best score for a period of eighteen months, besides obtaining other minor prizes in subsequent competitions. He is also a member and one of the originators page 667 of the Wairoa Farmers' Club. Mr. Wilson married a daughter of Mr. John Dow, of Wairoa, but she died in September, 1897, leaving a family of three sons and one daughter. His eldest son is the bugler of the Franklin Mounted Rifles.

Mr. John Dow, of “Whiteside,” Wairoa, one of the most prominent of the district's pioneer settlers, is a son of the late Mr. Dow, chief partner in the firm of Messrs Dow, Cooper, and White, a well known firm in Glasgow, and a grandson of the late Rev. Mr. Dow, of Glasgow. Mr. Dow was born in 1822, and educated in various schools and colleges, and was afterwards engaged in a Glasgow merchant's office, where he remained three years. Not liking indoor life, Mr. Dow started farming. He came to New Zealand in 1853, by the ship “Joseph Fletcher,” calling first at Taranaki. After spending seven months in pursuit of suitable land, he made Wairoa his future home, and purchased his present extensive farm. On his arrival in 1853, the country possessed neither roads nor bridges, and was covered with heavy bush; but, undeterred by these difficulties, he started the hard work of pioneering, and gradually made a home for himself. After some time, when prosperity began to crown his efforts, Mr. Dow was joined by his wife and child, who had remained behind in Scotland. Since then he has continued to prosper, and his farm is now noted for its rich fattening qualities. Mr. Dow has always been a leading spirit in the progress of the district, and was for several years on the road board, and for some time treasurer to that body. He has been asked several times to accept the Commission of the Peace, but has always declined. His knowledge of cattle is known throughout the province, and he has on three occasions been a judge at the Auckland Cattle Show. Mr. Dow married Miss McConnel, of Ayrshire, and of the marriage there is a surviving family of one son and three daughters, and twenty-one grandchildren.

Hanna, photo.Mr. J. Dow.

Hanna, photo.
Mr. J. Dow.

Mr. George Hoye, Old Colonist, New Mains,” Clevedon, Wairoa South, one of the first pioneers of the district, was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1826. He was brought up to farming, and went to Victoria in 1851. There he met Mr. Duncan McNicol, his fellow pioneer in the Wairoa. In 1853 he came with Mr. McNicol to Auckland, with the intention of settling on the land. Having selected Wairoa as their future home, they started to clear the virgin bush. No white people were nearer than Papakura, and their only neighbours were Maoris, whose language and customs they had no knowledge of. The pioneers purchased over 1000 acres at 10s per acre, and, having previously settled the location of their farms by lot, started the hard task of clearing a heavily timbered country, and getting a portion of their land fit for ploughing. The Maoris, who proved very friendly, built a raupo whare for the new arrivals. About a year later settlers began to arrive; Mr. Thorp and his family first, and Messrs John Dow and Wilson next. Other settlers continued to arrive, attracted by the fertility of the soil, and they increased in prosperity until the breaking cut of the Maori war. The settlers then banded together, and formed a corps for their protection, which was first commanded by Captain Sinclair, and afterwards by Captain Steel. Block-houses were built by the soldiers of the 18th Regiment, who, with the Militia, protected the district. The families of the principal settlers fled to Auckland for safety. After a time things became quiet, and the settlers returned to their peaceful avocations. On the breaking out of the Thames goldfields, Mr. Hoye tried his luck at gold mining, but after six months' trial returned home without having been successful as a miner. He then devoted his attention to his fine farm, which he stocked with a schooner load of cattle. Mr. Hoye has been a sufferer from rheumatism, contracted during the early years of his hard work as a pioneer, and has been compelled to relinquish the management of his farm in favour of his two sons. Mrs Hoye has been dead for some years, and left a family of four sons and three daughters.

Mr. G. Hoye.

Mr. G. Hoye.

Mr. Thomas Hyde, one of the pioneer settlers of Wairoa, was born at Buckden, Huntingdonshire, England, in 1832. He was brought up to farming, and left with his uncle, Mr. Henry Hyde, in 1852, for Adelaide, South Australia. Thence they went to the gold diggings at Forrest Creek, and Bendigo, where for about one year and nine months their efforts in search of gold were most successful. After that uncle and nephew came to New Zealand, and landed at Auckland, whence they proceeded to Wairoa, where they purchased a large area of land, and started farming. Their land was in its native state, and only about ten settlers were then living in the district. Mr. Hyde and his uncle encountered the troubles which generally beset pioneering. They, however, carried on prosperously until 1863, when Mr. Henry Hyde, the uncle, returned Home, after disposing of his interest in the farm to his nephew. Mr. Hyde, seeing the advantage of trading, started in partnership with Mr George Couldrey, and built the cutter “Rapid,” trading between Wairoa and Auckland, and Wairoa and the Thames, and carrying produce to the various markets. He then added storekeeping to trading, and built the fine store alongside the Clevedon wharf. The partners continued their business most successfully until the advent of the steamer “Transit,” when they sold the cutter. Mr. Hyde then devoted his attention to his store, to which a large trade was attached, and shortly afterwards
Hanna, photo.Mr. T. Hyde.

Hanna, photo.
Mr. T. Hyde.

page 668 he purchased the fine farm on which he now resides. In 1885 he retired from storekeeping, and devoted his attention to his various large landed properties. About 1870 Mr. Hyde sent Home for his brother, Mr. C. Hyde, who now resides at Tuakau, with his two sisters, Mrs Crawford and Mrs Poynter. Mr. Hyde joined the Wairoa volunteers during the Native troubles, and holds the New Zealand war medal. His first wife, whom he married in 1870, bore him one son, now known as Lieutenant Hyde; and by his present wife, he has one daughter, who is married to Mr. M. Perry, head teacher of the Kihikihi school.
Mr. Duncan McNicol, sometime of Wairoa South, and one of the first two pioneers of the district, was born in the Isle of Arran, Scotland, in the year 1825, and was brought up to farming. In 1847 he and his wife left Glasgow for Australia by the ship “Melbourne,” and landed at the city of that name, while it was, comparatively, a straggling village. Mr. McNicol soon obtained an engagement with Mr. John Thompson, a large squatter, with whom he remained for two years and a half. He then started farming on his own account, on a farm which he purchased near Geelong. On the discovery of gold Mr. McNicol left Mrs McNicol in town, and went to the diggings. His partner, Mr. Hoye, looked after their claims, while he (Mr. McNicol) carted provisions from Geelong to the fields. The partners were most successful in their search for gold, but, owing to the ill-health of Mrs McNicol, who was recommended by the doctors to leave for a more temperate climate, they disposed of their claims, and, accompanied by Mrs McNicol and three children, they came to New Zealand about 1853. Having decided on Wairoa as their future home, Messrs McNicol and Hoye each purchased a farm, and, helped by his wife, Mr. McNicol started the hard work of clearing and making a home. Undeterred by many difficulties and dangers, he persevered, and in a short time saw the success of his efforts. The pioneers travelled from Auckland to Wairoa in a canoe, which also carried their belongings, and the Maoris built a raupo whare to accommodate their new neighbours. Mr. McNicol then designed a more commodious home, and after sawing the timber he built the first wooden house in the district, into which he brought the first cattle. His knowledge of cattle was well known afterwards; he was recognised as one of the best judges, and his decisions always gave the utmost satisfaction at cattle shows. His reputation as a breeder of fine sheep, too, was acknowledged throughout the province, and the prizes he obtained at the various New Zealand shows were innumerable. Mr. McNicol was of a most generous disposition, but very retiring, and refrained from taking any active part in the public affairs of his district. About the year 1864, Mr McNicol went to the Waikato, where he took up land, commenced farming, and bred the Lincoln sheep which the late Mr. John McNicol owned at the time of his death, and which were noted all over the province. Mr. Duncan McNicol died, after a very active and useful life, on the 27th of August, 1895, leaving Mrs McNicol with three sons and three daughters, out of a family of eleven, to mourn thir loss. Mrs McNicol, though beyond the Scriptural alloted span, is still (July, 1901) hale and hearty, and is held in the greatest esteem by both young and old who have the pleasure of her acquaintance. She was Miss Marian Bannantyne, and married her late husband at Arran in 1845. All through her life she has been a worthy and devoted wife.
Mrs McNicol at her Spinning Wheel.

Mrs McNicol at her Spinning Wheel.

Her cheerful disposition and sympathy helped her husband to overcome many of the hardships and troubles incidental to their eventful life. Although she speaks in the highest terms of the great kindness of the natives in the earlier days of settlement, she experienced her share of danger when the native troubles broke out. On one memorable occasion, during an attack by the Maoris, she snatched up her son, and ran with him in her arms for shelter to the house. On entering, a bullet grazed the arm of the officer who held the door open for her entrance. She has been a wonderfully active woman throughout her life, and helped her husband so effectively in the early hard work of pioneering that she contributed substantially to his material prosperity.

Mr. Charles William Stephens is a son of Captain George Stephens, of the Honourable East India Company's service, and was born at Stoke Gabriel, on the river Dart, in the county of Devon, England, in 1837. He was brought up to a seafaring life, and served his apprenticeship with the firm of George Marshall and Son, London, large shipowners, who had then a contract with the Government to carry emigrants to Australia. Mr. Stephens arrived in 1858 at Rockhampton, at the time of the “rush,” one of the most calamitous rushes of that period. After remaining a short time, he worked his passage to Sydney, whence he went to the “rush” at Lemon's Flat, and was present during the Chinese riots. After three years of prosperity, Mr. Stephens left the diggings, spent some time in Sydney and Melbourne, and then returned Home, and started farming with his brother. In 1865 he determined to come to New Zealand, and arrived by the ship “Mary Shepherd,” landing first at Captain Daldy's special settlement at the Bay of Islands. He and his wife each received a grant of forty acres at Matakohe, but he was not satisfied with the land, and purchased from the Maoris 750 acres at Maraetai, which was originally set apart as a Maori reserve by Governor Hobson. Mr. Stephens was the pioneer settler in that district, which was then in its wild uncultivated state, without roads or bridges, and his only neighbours were the Maoris. Under these conditions Mr. Stephens set to work to make a home for himself and family. He built a whare, cleared and cultivated the land, and in a short time could foresee the ultimate success of his labours. There was, however, no school at Maraetai, and for the sake of the education of his children, Mr. Stephens bought his present beautiful home at Clevedon, from Mr. John Dow, in 1878. From his earliest pioneer days Mr. Stephens has taken a very prominent part in the affairs of his district. He was the means of getting Maraetai its first school, and after his arrival in Clevedon he was appointed treasurer to the Wairoa South Road Board, and was shortly afterwards elected its chairman—a position he held for thirteen years. The state of the public roads shows how thoroughly he did his duty. Mr. Stephens was for years chairman of the licensing committee, and for twenty years secretary, treasurer, and minister's warden for the Anglican Church. He took an active part in forming the Clevedon Steam Navigation Co., Limited, and was its first secretary. The settlers in the neighbouring district are the shareholders, and the steam service has been entirely successful in ensuring rapid communication between the various districts themselves and between them collectively and the outer markets. Mr. Stephens is a Freemason of old standing, and member of the Lodge Wairoa. He married Miss Wilkes, and of a family of five sons and five daughters, two sons and three daughters are married.