Baxter, David, and Co. (David Baxter), Merchants, 27–29 Crawford Street, Dunedin. The proprietor of this well-known firm, who was born in Perthshire, Scotland, was educated at Edinburgh and Dundee. On leaving school, Mr. Baxter engaged in mercantile pursuits in the city of Perth. In 1856 he left the Old Country in the ship “Lightning” for Melbourne, and on his arrival in that Australian city secured an engagement in a mercantile house, where he remained for six years. In 1862 Mr. Baxter crossed over to Dunedin, and started in business as a merchant. In the following year Mr. Dobbie joined the firm, which traded under the style of Messrs Dobbie, Baxter and Co. until 1866, when Mr. Dobbie retired. Three years later Mr. Baxter married Miss M. McEwan, sister of the partners in the firm of Messrs McEwan and Co., merchants, Melbourne, and has one daughter. During his residence in Dunedin Mr. Baxter took an interest in municipal and local affairs. In 1868 he contested the South Ward for the City Council, against Mr. J. Griffen, by whom he was defeated by one vote. Mr. Baxter was one of the originators and a director of the Standard Fire and Marine Insurance Company, a justice of the peace, and an ex-president of the Dunedin Bowling Club. He was initiated into Freemasonry in Lodge Kilwinning, S.C., about 1868, after-wards becoming affiliated with Lodge Celtie.