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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Taranaki, Hawke's Bay & Wellington Provincial Districts]

Mr. William Carswell

Mr. William Carswell, an old colonist, and formerly manager of the Puketapu estate, was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, in the year 1839. His father, Mr. John Carswell, a well-known manufacturer, came to Wellington with his family early in 1852. Mr. Carswell, whilst still a lad, worked for Mr. Gillies, of Otaraia, and afterwards for Mr. Robert Russell, of Whangamoana, Wairarapa. After four years of colonial experience he left for Castle Point, where he was a shepherd on Mr. J. V. Smith's run, and was next manager at Mataikuna for a further period of four years. Mr. Carswell then removed to Hawke's Bay, where for two years he was manager for Mr. Samuel Begg, of Mangawhare. After this he was associated with others in leasing from the natives the Te Haroto block of 30,000 acres, but sold his share to his partners about three years later. At this the country was disturbed by Te Kooti's rebellion, and for two years Mr. Carswell was employed in the difficult and dangerous work of packing from Petane to Taupo for the Government. He next leased the Puketitiri estate for about six years, after which period he was engaged by the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company as manager of the Seafield and Eskmount estates. Then he managed “Awamate,” in the Wairoa district, and afterwards “Lochinvar,” at Taupo, for the Bank of New Zealand. In conjunction with his son James, Mr. Carswell acquired “The Incline” property, which is managed by the former. This estate consists of 1,603 acres of open country, partly ploughed and grassed, and stocked with 2,500 sheep, besides cattle and horses. It is situated on the Tutaekuri river, about four hours' ride from Puketapu. Mr. Carswell was a member of the Wairoa County Council for three years, and has held seats on the Petane School Committee and Board of Trustees of the Petane Cemetery. He married Miss Orrock, of Scotland, in 1860, and has, surviving, four sons and four daughters.