Title: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Author: Cyclopedia Company Limited

Publication details: The Cyclopedia Company, Limited, 1897, Wellington

Part of: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand

License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 New Zealand Licence

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Bevan, Thomas, Farmer, Manakau. This gentleman, who is described as the oldest settler in the district, was born in Yardington, Shropshire, in 1840, and was brought to New Zealand by the “Lady Nugent” in 1841. He had the misfortune to lose his mother on the voyage out. His father was induced to come to the Colony by the glowing accounts given from time to time of the bright future that awaited those who would throw in their lot with the Now Zealand Company. Mr. Bevan, senr., paid the Company for 500 acres of land, which was to be their future home, only to find on his arrival that the land was in the possession of the natives. Mr. Bevan was a ropemaker by trade, and, bringing a plant from England. he established himself in Te Aro. In 1842, however, the trouble with the Maoris cut off the supply of flax, and in the following year he removed to Waikanae, where he again set up his ropewalk. In 1845 his children, who had been left in Wellington, were brought up the coast by a Maori, whom Mr. Bevan had engaged for the purpose. After the death of his father the subject of this sketch carried on the business till 1881, and took many prizes at Dunedin, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Vienna. Mr. Bevan has a fine freehold section of excellent land, on which is erected a substantial homestead overlooking the township of Manakau, which he has made his home for the last fifteen years. A garden and orchard occupy a few acres round the house. Mr. Bevan has a large family, of whom three are married and settled in the district. Very interesting accounts of the early days of settlement are given by Mr. Bevan.