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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Smith, Philip G.

Smith, Philip G., Farmer, “Herrington,” Raetihi. Arriving with his parents in Wellington at the age of four years, in the ship “William and Jane” in 1855, Mr. Smith, who wa born at Stepney, London, was brought up to a country life. His father, Captain Smith, owned and occupied land for many years on the Wanganui River. Mr. Smith afterwards tried his luck at Kimberley and other goldfields in Western Australia, but owing to failing health he travelled, visiting China, Japan, India, and many other countries. Returning to New Zealand, he took up his present holding of 1440 acres in 1890, in its rough state, there being no roads except a bad bridle-track to Pipiriki. Mr. Smith, who first stocked his land with sheep, lost large numbers of them through wild dogs. In athletic sports he has always taken an active part, having played in his younger days in almost every important football match in the Colony. He was captain of the Wanganui Club for several years, and is now captain of the Raetihi Club. Mr. Smith served in the Alexandra Cavalry for many years, gaining a lieutenancy. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In 1873 Mr. Smith was married to a daughter of the late Mr. Meredith, of the Heath, Herefordshire, —who was murdered by the Maoris at Drury, near Auckland, early in the sixties—and has one daughter.