Murdoch, Alexander Grant, Farmer, Omaka Estate, near Blenheim. Mr. Murdoch owns 300 acres, half of which consists of downs, and the balance is flat land. He farms about eighty acres, and also depastures sheep of the Lincoln and Merino cross. Mr. Murdoch acquired his property at the time the Hawkesbury estate was cut up in 1896, and since then he has made valuable improvements, which include a comfortable residence. Mr. Murdoch was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1854, and came to Otago by the ship “E. P. Bouverie,” in 1870. Subsequently, he was contract ploughing on the Levels station in Canterbury. He removed to Marlborough in 1880, and worked for Mr. Charles Goulter till he bought his present property. Mr. Murdoch is a forester, and a member of the Hawkesbury school committee.