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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

Brookside

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Brookside.

Brookside is one of the rich and prosperous districts around Lake Ellesmere. In its primitive state the land was swamp, covered with water, flax, and raupo, and was taken up as a cattle and sheep run in the early fifties by the late Mr. Washbourne. South Selwyn was the original name of the district. Pioneer farmers bought small freeholds and began to settle in the district about 1862. The names of Cunningham, Mawson, Boag, Withell and Brooks were amongst the earliest to be associated with the district in this way. The early settlers were hardy, practical farmers, endowed with courage and perseverance, and hence the success of the settlement, which, originally a wild inhospitable swamp, was gradually converted by the pioneers into one of the richest and most fertile spots in New Zealand, studded with handsome homesteads possessed of every desirable comfort and luxury. Mr. Brooks, one of the pioneer settlers, made a gift of land as a site for a school and a church, and, in recognition of his generosity, his fellow settlers had the name of the district changed to Brookside. The district lies to the south of the river Selwyn, and is within a short distance of the Doyleston and Irwell railway stations, and about two miles from the township of Leeston. Brookside village contains a good store and post office, three handsome churches, a school, a blacksmith's shop, and coachbuilding establishment, a roller flour mill, and a fine creamery; all within a short distance of the railway. The district is well roaded, and thus, with the quality of the land and the enterprise of the settlers, possesses the prime factors of prosperity.

Brookside Creamery. This creamery was established in 1893 by the Canterbury Central Dairy Company, Ltd., Addington. The engine is a six-horse power by Anderson and Co., of Christchurch, and the cream separator is a De Laval Alpha Aii turbine. Cream is sent daily to Addington by rail. The cattle are principally the Shorthorn breed, and 1000 gallons are supplied daily in the flush of the season. For some time the supply has been increasing, and the increase is expected to continue for a number of years. The milk is paid for by the percentage of butter fat.

Mr. John Stewart, the Manager, was born at Brookside, and followed farming for a number of years. He thoroughly mastered all the details of dairy work before being appointed manager of the Brookside creamery. He takes an active part in athletic sports, and at the Dunsanael New Year sports of 1898 he won the Maiden Bicycle Race of one mile, and was first in the half-mile and third in the three-mile and five-mile races. In 1898, Mr. Stewart was placed in charge of the Little River branch of the Central Dairy Company.

Brookside Roller Flour Mill (George Trapnell, proprietor); flour brand, “Rising Gem.” This fine up-to-date flour mill was originally built by the late Mr. John Cole, and purchased by the present owner in 1894. It is driven by a large water wheel of 16 feet diameter, with a face breadth of 8 feet. There is a good supply of water. Since it was bought by the present owner, the mill has been converted into a roller flour mill, supplied with all the latest and best machinery. It has an average output of twelve tons per week, but is capable of extending this if necessary, to twenty tons. The mill's well-known brand, “Rising Gem,” is in great demand all over New Zealand. The mill has proved a great boon to the district, as the owner buys his raw material from the various farmers within a radius of twelve miles. There is storage room for over 16,000 bushels of wheat. Three men are constantly employed at the mill, and a threeton lorry waggon is always on the road, supplying customers, and delivering at the Lake Road railway station, distant about three miles, for shipment to the various towns in New Zealand. The mill's flour and wheat meal and its semolina (a special product) are held in the highest esteem for purity and excellence. Twenty-five first prizes, and numerous special prizes, have been obtained by the mill's products at the various agricultural and pastoral shows.

Mr. George Trapnell is a native of Bridgewater. Somersetshire, England, and was apprenticed to the milling business in his native place with Messrs Spiller and Co., who employ over 900 persons, and are the largest flour millers and biscuit bakers in England. Shortly after the expiration of his apprenticeship he was sent by his employers (Spiller and Co.) to New Zealand to start the Belford flour mill at Timaru, the second mill in New Zealand to use the roller plant, which was a great success. He afterwards started a flour mill at Temuka for Mr. Hayhurst and managed it for some time. Then he received the appointment of manager-foreman at the Riccarton roller flour mills of Messrs Wood Bros., Limited. These mills were afterwards supplemented by more extensive premises at Addington; and Mr. Trapnell was employed about six years altogether at these two mills. In 1894 Mr. Trapnell settled at Brookside, where he had purchased the flour mill, and since then the business has experienced continued success and expansion. Mr. Trapnell is married, and has a family of two.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.Mr. G. Trapnell.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.
Mr. G. Trapnell.

Farmers.

Belton, William, Farmer, “Crystal Springs,” Brookside. Mr. Belton was born in Wicklow, Ireland, in 1836, and arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Blue Jacket” in 1865. He was employed for a short time after his arrival by the late Mr. Tosswill, of Templeton, and for six years was engaged in farming leasehold land. In 1871 he bought his present farm at Brookside. It then contained about 100 acres of unimproved land, nearly all undrained swamp, which he drained and fenced, and otherwise improved by braiding a good homestead, surrounded by a fine plantation. Since then Mr. Belton was increased his estate to 200 acres of first-class land, on which he conducts a very prosperous system of farming. Mr. Belton has been for years a member of the Killinchy school committee. He is a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, at the shows of which he frequently takes prizes with his exhibits of cheese and other dairy produce. page 686 Mr. Belton married Miss Watson, daughter of Mr. W. Watson, of Brookside, and has had a family of eleven children, of whom ten are alive.

Mr. W. Belton and Family.Wrigglesworth & Binns, photo.

Mr. W. Belton and Family.Wrigglesworth & Binns, photo.

Brooks, Thomas, Farmer, Brookside. Mr. Brooks, after whom Brookside is named. was born at Shipley, near Horsham, Sussex, England, in 1840, and arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Zealandia” in 1858. At first he was employed at road-making, and was so engaged for over five years on the North Road; for two years subsequently he was employed in carting wool from Rakaia. In 1865 he settled at Brookside, where he had purchased his present fine farm of about 278 acres. Like nearly all the early colonists, Mr. Brooks had to endure much hardship, and face frequent failure, but he stuck to his farm, and went on improving it to such good purpose that success and prosperity crowned his efforts. Mr. Brooks has always been a successful breeder of stock and possesses a herd of Shorthorns as pure as thirty years of careful breeding can make them. They are of the strain of Mr. Pannett's stock. Mr. Brooks also has a fine flock of purebred Southdown sheep; and is a prize-taker with his exhibits in both classes. He is a member both of the Ellesmere and the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and a frequent exhibitor at both shows. Mr. Brooks has always been a member of the Brookside school committee. He is married and has three sons and four daughters.

Wrigglesworth and Binns photo.Mr. and Mrs T. Brooks.

Wrigglesworth and Binns photo.
Mr. and Mrs T. Brooks.

Chamberlain, Arthur, Farmer, Thongsleigh Farm, Brookside. Mr. Chamberlain was born in 1858, and is fifth son of the lat Peter Chamberlain, of Thongsleigh Farm, Tiverton, Devonshire, England. He was educated at the English Diocesan Church school, Sampford, Peverell. After the death of his father, he, with his mother, two sisters, and three brothers, came to Canterbury by the ship “Loch Fleet,” and landed at Lyttelton in 1877. Mr. Chamberlain first worked for his brother, the late Mr. Henry Chamberlain, one of the most successful settlers in the Ellesmere district. He afterwards successfully carried on business as a butcher in the North Island and at South Rakaia. At the last named place, he made his first land purchase, about thirty acres, which about three years later he sold to advantage. In 1886 he removed to Brookside, and leased the farm known as “Eastbourne,” which, about a year later, he gave up, and leased his present fine farm of 271 acres. He has since bought 330 acres at Ellesmere. Mr. Chamberlain is a noted breeder of pure-bred stock. He at present owns probably the best strain of milking Shorthorns in the colony of New Zealand. His Shorthorn bull, “Duke of Rothesay,” holds the record of having won four years in succession the Champion prizes at both the Ellesmere and the Christchurch shows, also the Championship at the Otgo show in 1901; and is admitted, by competent judges, to be one of the finest bulls of his breed in the Australian colonies. Mr. Chamberlain has also won, at the shows mentioned, for four years in succession, the Champion prize for the best cow or heifer on the ground, also the first prize for bull and progeny, cows and progeny, and numerous other prizes. He has a stud of pure-bred Shorpshire sheep, the pedigree of which appears in the New Zealand Flock Book, and with these sheep he has obtained several prizes at the local shows. He owns, also, some registered Clydesdales, and not long since a filly, not three years old, bred by him, was sold for 100 guineas. Mr. Chamberlain has taken an active part in the public affairs of his district, having been a member of the South Rakaia Licensing Committee, for six years a member of the Ellesmere Road Board, and two years its chairman. He is the present chairman of the Ellesmere Domain Board, and has been for many years a member of the Brookside school committee, and a Justice of the Peace. Mr. Chamberlain is a life member of the Canterbury and Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and is at present (1902–3) vice-president of the Ellesmere Association.
Wrigglesworth and Binns photo.Mr. A. Chamberlain.

Wrigglesworth and Binns photo.
Mr. A. Chamberlain.

He married Miss Cunningham, the eldest daughter of Mr. John Cunningham, a successful pioneer farmer at Brookside, and has three sons and four daughters.

Cunningham, John, Farmer, “Strathearn,” Brookside. Mr. Cunningham is the eldest son of Mr. John Cunningham, a prominent pioneer settler of Brookside, and was born at Brookside in 1868. He was educated at the Boys' High School, Christchurch, and afterwards studied at Lincoln Agricultural College. After accompanying his father and page 687 brother in a prolonged trip though Great Britain and the United States of America, he began to farm at Brookside on his own account in 1897. He has followed his father's example in breeding Shorthorn cattle, and now owns a very fine herd of that valuable breed. Mr. Cunningham owns also a fine flock of English Leicesters of high class pedigree. He is a member of the Brookside school committee, a member of the Canterbury and Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and also a member of the committee of the Farmers' Union. He married Miss Campbell, of Dunedin, and has a family of two.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.Mr. J. Cunningham, Junr.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.
Mr. J. Cunningham, Junr.

Cunningham, William Boag, Farmer, Brookside. Mr. Cunningham is the second and youngest son of Mr John Cunningham, one of the prominent pioneers of Brookside, but now (1903) living in retirement in Park Road, Addington. He was born at Brookside, in 1874, was educated at his native place, and gained a practical knowledge of farming under his father. In 1891 he accompanied his father and brother to England, where they visited all the celebrated places, and returned to New Zealand, via the United States of America. When his father retired from active life, Mr. Cunningham succeeded him in the occupation of the homestead block, on which he conducts a successful method of farming. Like his father, he is a careful breeder of Shorthorn cattle. Since taking the herd in hand he has greatly added to the value of his stud by buying from the celebrated Mount Herbert herd in Hawke's Bay, the Shorthorn bull “Herbert Duke of Derrimet”; and at the sale of the late Mr. John Deans, he bought the pedigree stud cow “Queen.” Mr Cunningham also possesses a select flock of English Leicesters, No. 35, New Zealand Flock Book, founded by his father in 1893, by the purchase of twenty pure-bred ewes at the clearing sale of the Hon. Ernest Gray; eighteen additional ewes were bought at a sale from Mr. P. C. Threlkeld's No. 1, New Zealand Flock Book, and eighteen from Mr. H F. Gray, in 1900. The rams used for stud purposes have been selected from the flocks of Mr. James Little, of Mount Thomas, of the Hon. E. Gray, and Mr. P. C. Threlkeld; and the ewes have always bee well culled. The stud now (1903) numbers about seventy. Mr. Cunningham is a member of the Canterbury and Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Associations. He married Miss Suttie, daughter of a well known colonist, and there is a family of one daughter.

Frampton, George, Farmer, “Walton,” Brookside. Mr. Frampton was born in Walton, Somersetshire, England, in 1842, and worked on his father's farm until he left for New Zealand in 1863, by the ship “Captain Cook,” by which he came to Lyttelton. After living a short time at Spreydon he took up fifty acres of his present farm, which he increased by purchase to about 175 acres, part of which he has lately sold. When Mr. Frampton settled on his land it was in its wild native state and very swampy, but by degrees he drained it all and divided it into well fenced, well cultivated paddocks, which yield luxuriant crops. There is a handsome homestead surrounded by trees. Mr. Frampton has never taken any part in public affairs, but as a member of the Wesleyan church, has been circuit steward, and is a trustee of the parsonage at Leeston. He is also a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Frampton married a namesake. Miss Elizabeth Lister Frampton, and there is a family of two sons, who are both married, and are farming on their own account.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.Mr. G. Frampton.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.
Mr. G. Frampton.

Gardiner, Hubert, Farmer, “The Grove,” Brookside. Mr. Gardiner is the eldest son of Mr. H. D. Gardiner, of Purau, and was born at the Styx in 1858. He was educated at Rangiora and Christchurch, and received a thorough training in practical farming under his father's guidance. In 1881 Mr. Gardiner started on his own account on a property of 726 acres, where he carries on large and successful operations in general farming, and in breeding fat lambs, pigs, and sheep. He is a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and has been a prize-taker with seeds and root crops at various shows. He married Miss Orr, and has two sons and one daughter.

page 688
See page 685687. Mr. And Mrs H. Gardiner.

See page 685 [sic: 687].
Mr. And Mrs H. Gardiner.

Graham, Robert, Farmer, “Hartfield, Brookside. Mr. Graham is the only son of the late Mr. John Graham, and was born at Brookside in 1868. He was educated at the Brookside school, and by Mr. Charles Cook, in Christchurch, and also studied at Lincoln Agricultural College. On leaving college he entered on the active management of his property, which contains about 350 acres, on which he conducts mixed farming. Mr. Graham was for over six years captain of the Leeston Football team, and a winner of numerous victories. He captained the Ellesmere football team in 1897, when it met with great success; and he has captained the Leeston and Irwell cricket teams. He is a well known runner, and won the grand handicap at Southbridge in 1891. For years he has been a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and frequently takes prizes with his well known strain of Clydesdale horses, of which he is a successful breeder. He is secretary of the Brookside school committee. Mr. Graham is a keen sportsman, and one of the noted shots of the district. In 1895, he married Miss Spring, third daughter of Mr. Walter Spring, of Leeston, and has a family of three children.

Standish and Preece photo. Mr. R. Graham.

Standish and Preece photo.
Mr. R. Graham.

Hight, Henry, Farmer, “Crystal Fountain,” Brookside.—Mr. Hight was born at Broughton, Northamptonshire, England, and passed his early years on his father's and uncle's farms, and subsequently at gardening He came to New Zealand in 1863, in the ship “Lancashire Witch,” and was for the first few years of his residence in the Colony head gardener for Mr. Watts Russell, at Ilam, and for the late Mr. Henry Lance. Subsequently he commenced farming at Brookside, where he took up his present farm of 184 acres in 1874. The land was then all covered with heavy flax and raupo, and could not be reached with a horse on account of the prevalence of swamp and pine stumps Now, however, it is well drained and highly cultivated, with a good dwellinghouse, garden, orchard, and plantations. The outbuildings include sheds with stalls to house Mr. Hight's splendid herd of Shorthorn cattle. The herd was established in 1878, when Mr. Hight purchased from Mr. Dudley some cows descended from his champion bull “Conrad” (271 C.H.B.) None but pure bred bulls have been used in the herd, and Mr. Hight has had in turn the son of “Alfonso I.,” imported by Mr. John Grigg, and a son of “Alvie's Hero,” which was succeeded by “Jupiter,” bred by Mr. William Watson, and at present his stud sires are “Duke of Borehfelt” (by Khedive, by Oxford's Roan Duke), and Russell's “Bligh,” bred by Mr. John Deans (1469). Mr. Hight has also been very successful as a breeder of Shorthorns of the milking strain, and has, with a Shorthorn against all other breeds, taken first prize for a cow that gives the greatest weight of butter fat. He has taken over 200 prizes for his stock, at the Christchurch, Leeston, Ashburton, Timaru, Dunedin and other agricultural shows. Mr. Hight was married, in 1858, to Miss Mee, and has four sons and six daughters.

Mr. and Mrs J. Mawson and Family.

Mr. and Mrs J. Mawson and Family.

Mawson, James, Farmer, Brookside. Mr. Mawson is the second son of the late
Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.Mr. and Mrs H. Hight.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.
Mr. and Mrs H. Hight.

page 689 Mr. Mawson and was born in Christchurch in 1853. He was educated at Leeston school, and acquired a practical knowledge of farming under the tuition of his father, at whose death he succeeded to his present property. Mr. Mawson married the eldest daughter of Mr. James Winchester, a well known colonist, in 1880, and there is a family of three sons and three daughters.

McCleary, Samuel, Farmer, Brookside. Mr. McCleary was born near Lurgan, in County Down, Ireland, in 1838, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Canterbury,” in 1864. For some time after his arrival he was employed in farm work, and in 1865 he took up his present farm of about ninety acres at Brookside. The land was then in its natural state, but has since been converted into a fine productive farm, on which the owner conducts mixed farming, but chiefly dairying. Mr. McCleary has always taken a great interest in the Presbyterian church, of which he has been an older since its erection in the district, and for years he performed the duties of superintendent of the Sunday school. Mr. McCleary has been twice married; on the second occasion to Miss Cochrane, a native of County Derry, Ireland.

Standish and Preece, Photo. Mr. and Mrs S. McCleary.

Standish and Preece, Photo.
Mr. and Mrs S. McCleary.

Middlerigg Estate (John Boag, proprietor), Brookside. This estate consists of 820 acres, and is the property of Mr. John Boag, who breeds a large number of fat lambs for the export trade. Mr. Boag has a fine stud flock of English Leicesters, which he founded in 1893 by the purchase of forty-nine pure-bred ewes, bred by the Hon. E. Gray, whose own flock had been established twenty years previously by a purchase from Mr. Every McLean, of Auckland. The ewes thus bought by Mr. Boag were mated with a ram bred by the Hon. E. Gray. Mr. Boag supplemented his flock in 1895, by the purchase of seventy-nine ewes from Mr. Threlkeld, and these he mated with rams bred by the Hon. E. Gray, Messrs Threlkeld and Donald Grant. Mr. Boag also had a stud flock of Border Leicesters, with which he was very successful in the show yards, but he is not now specially maintaining this flock. “Middlerigg” is especially noted for its stud of Clydesdale horses, in connection with which Mr. Boag's name has become a household word all over the Colony. It was in 1872 that Mr. Boag founded this stud by purchasing the two-year-old filly “Marchioness I.” for which he gave £100. This mare had a brilliant record, and gained sixteen first, seven second and eighteen special prizes. She was eleven times first as the best mare on the ground and seven times first as the best mare accompanied by two of her progeny. Her first colt, “Crown Prince,” was sold when nine years old for £290, after earning £1186 in fees. Her second foal was a mare, for which Mr. Boag refused £200. Mr. Boag has gained with horses bred by himself 148 first prizes, 71 second, 10 third, and 61 private special and champion prizes. When sent to the Australian colonies, Mr. Boag's horses have held their own in the continental show rings, and “Stanley,” bred by him, won the champion cup at Wagga Wagga. In the year 1900 his noted mare “Middlerigg Princess” was exhibited at four different shows, and gained eight first, two second, and two champion prizes. Mr. Boag made a valuable addition to his stud during the same year with a one-year-old filly, for which he paid £100. During the year 1901 he visited the Old Country, where he bought, at a high price, the best Clydesdale stallion he saw in all his travels. The “North British Agriculturist” referred to this purchase in these terms: “We learn that Mr. W. R. Trotter, South Acomb, has sold to Mr. John Boag, of Brookside, Canterbury, New Zealand, the Clydesdale stallion ‘Royal Fame,’ 10272. This horse was bred by Mr. Geo. Bean, West Ballochy, Montrose, and was got by ‘Mount Royal,’ 8065, out of the great prize mare ‘Sunflower,’ by ‘Prince of Wales,’ 673, whose dam was by ‘Glenlee,’ 303, and granddam by ‘Drumore Farmer,’ 284. ‘Royal Fame’ is thus nearly full brother in blood to ‘Royal Gartly.’ He is probably about the biggest Clydesdale stallion living, as he stands over 17.3 hands, and weighed, when shipped at the end of a heavy season, 19 1/2 cwt. While immensely massive in substance, he is handsome in appearance, proportionate in build, and symmetrical in conformation. He was passed absolutely sound, and was for his size a very active horse. He has ample bone, long flowing feather, and the best of feet. He won the £75 premium at the Isle of Man Spring Show in 1899, and again at the same show this year, and was the premium horse in East Northumberland last year. He has left splendid stock, some of his yearlings in the Isle of Man making high prices. Mr Boag inspected most of the best Clydesdale studs in the country before purchasing Royal Fame, and he is to be congratulated on having secured such a valuable horse.” Mr. Boag is well known also as a breeder of sheep. In 1899 he gained with his stud flock of English Leicesters, at the Ellesmere show, the first prize and championship in aged rams; the first and private prize for the best hoggett ram, and also second for hoggett ram; second prize for a pen of two hoggett rams; and second prize at the Christchurch show, for single hoggett ram, in an entry of thirty-two exhibits.

Mr. John Boag was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1841, and was brought up to farming. He came to New Zealand in 1857, in the ship “Glentanner,” and took up the first portion of “Middlerigg” from the Crown in 1865. In addition to “Middlerigg,” Mr. Boag has about 900 acres of freehold land on the Rakaia. At “Middlerigg” there is a commodious two-storey dwellinghouse, which is sheltered by a well-grown plantation, with the necessary outbuildings to work the estate The property is well divided by substantial fences, and the homestead has all the necessary outbuildings. Mr. Boag has served on the local road board and school committee, and he has been president of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was married, in 1865, to Miss Stewart, and has three sons and two daughters.

Mr. J. Boag.

Mr. J. Boag.

Moor, Robert, Farmer, “Rosedale,” Brookside. Mr. Moor was born at Muston, Yorkshire, England, in 1833. Accompanied by his wife and three children he came to New Zealand, by the ship “Queen of Mersey,” which arrived at Lyttelton, and he found employment in carting for Messrs Dodd and Brightmore, brickmakers, near Christchurch. When Mr. Moor purchased his present property of about sixty-eight acres it was totally unimproved swamp land, and while he was gradually bringing it into order he occasionally worked for wages on surrounding farms. His land is now well under cultivation, but its surface has sunk quite four feet owing to drainage. Mr. Moor experienced great difficulty in removing the burnt tree roots with which his whole property was choked, but he had some recompense in finding them suitable for firewood. Mr. Moor was a member of the Brookside school committee page 690 for several years, and was for some time a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association. His wife died in 1894. leaving one son and four daughters.

Mr. R. Moor.

Mr. R. Moor.

Stephens, George, Senior, Farmer, “Studdulk,” Brookside. Mr. Stephens was born near Milford Haven, Pembrokshire, Wales, in 1832, and came to Lyttelton, in 1863, by the ship “Chariot of Fame.” He was employed by the late Mr. Washbourne for about six months, and was afterwards engaged in forming the road between Lyttelton and Sumner. Later on he was employed in fencing, and with the Government gardener in making drains. In 1864 he settled at Brookside, where he purchased his present property of about 142 acres, and lived in a sod whare, which he has since replaced by a handsome modern residence. He experienced numerous discomforts at the outset, and in 1867 a flood in the Selwyn covered the surrounding country and washed him out of his bed. Mr. Stephens breeds Shorthorn cattle, of which he has owned a fine pedigree stock for over thirty years, and is also a successful breeder of draught horses. He is a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and has been a successful exhibitor, and a member of the committee for thirty years. Mr. Stephens has been for years a member of the Brookside school committee, and a vestryman of the church of England at Brookside. He has been twice married; first, in 1854, and secondly in 1866. His second wife, who died in 1894, was a sister of Mr. John Cunningham, a well known settler in the district. Mr. Stephens has two sons and five daughters.

Suttie, John, Farmer, “Eastbourn,” Brookside, Mr. Suttie was born in Forfarsire, Scotland, in 1854, and accompanied by his wife, came to New Zealand in 1874. At first he was employed on the Dunsandel property of Mr. William Boag, of Fendalton, and remained there seven years. Mr. Suttie then started farming on his own account on a fine freehold farm at Doyleston, where he resided for nearly twenty years. In 1900 he leased his Doyleston property, and took up “Eastbourn,” which contains about 200 acres, on which he conducts mixed farming. Mr. Suttie was for years a member of the Leeston school committee; he was also an active member of the Leeston Presbyterian church and one of its managers for years. At one time Mr. Suttie was known as the champion sheep shearer of the district, and has taken numerous prizes at shearing contests held at the Ellesmere and Christchurch agricultural and pastoral shows. He was married, in 1874, to Miss Fraser, of Perthshire, Scotland, and, of a surviving family of one son and seven daughters, two daughters are married—respectively, to Mr. William Boag Cunningham, of Brookside, and to Mr. McCausland.

Wrigglesworth & Binns, photo. Mr. J. Suttie.

Wrigglesworth & Binns, photo.
Mr. J. Suttie.

Taylor, Charles, Farmer, Brookside. Mr. Taylor was born in Nottingham, England, in 1846. He accompanied his parents, first, to Queensland, and, three years later, came with them to Canterbury. After living with his parents at their farm at Lower Lincoln Road, and, later on, at their farm at Springston, he went out to work on his own account at various places and employments. In 1869 he began to farm in the Brookside district, and, in 1872, took up his present farm which consists of about 238 acres, on which he prosperously conducts a system of general farming. Mr. Taylor has taken a leading part in the affairs of his district, and has been a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association since its start, and a frequent and successful exhibitor of grain and dairy produce. He has for some time been a member of the Brookside school committee, and is a choirmaster and a trustee of the Brookside Wesleyan church. He is also a member of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association. Mr. Taylor has been a staunch temperance man for many years. He married Miss Stewart, daughter of the late Mr. John Stewart, a prominent and successful early settler at Brookside; and has five sons and three daughters.

Wrigglesworth & Binns, photo. Mr. C. Taylor.

Wrigglesworth & Binns, photo.
Mr. C. Taylor.

Watson, William, Farmer, Brookside Mr. Watson is the eldest surviving son of the late Mr. William Watson, of Brookside, and was born at Lorton, Cumberland, England in 1853. He accompanied his parents to New Zealand, when he was six years of age, and worked at Brookside with his father until page 691 1880, when he married and bought his present property. Mr. Watson, like his father, has taken a prominent part in the general public affairs of his district. He has been a member of the Killinchy school committee, and has for years been a member of the Canterbury and Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Associations. Mr Watson takes a specially active part in matters connected with the Wesleyan church, and is known as a local preacher of persuasive eloquence. He was married, in 1880, to Miss Darton, of Tuapeka, and has a family of one daughter.

Mr. and Mrs W. Watson and Daughter.

Mr. and Mrs W. Watson and Daughter.

Withell, Reuben, Farmer and Seedgrower, “Whitehouse,” Brookside. Mr. Withell was born at Middleton, Yorkshire, England, in 1838. He came to New Zealand, in 1866, by the ship “John Temperley,” to Lyttelton, to join his brother, Mr. C. Withell, who had for five years previously been living at Riccarton. For three years he lived at Brookside as manager of an estate which his brother had previously purchased, and then he bought his present farm, which was partially improved. Soon afterwards he built a large concrete dwellinghouse, with suitable outbuildings, and fenced, drained and otherwise improved his property. Mr. Withell, who was an experienced fruit grower planted fourteen acres in apples and plums, with a view to an export trade; but owing to the low prices ruling and other drawbacks, including fruit pests, the venture was unsuccessful. He now devotes his attention chiefly to dairying, and owns a fine herd of Shorthorns, and he grows seeds on an extensive scale. In this connection he trades as Messrs Withell and Sons, and grows large quantities of mangolds and carrots for seed, for which there is a great demand all over New Zealand. Both his seeds and roots have taken innumerable prizes at the various agricultural and pastoral shows. Mr. Withell is, and has from the first been, a member of the Central Dairy Company and one of its directors, and has been, for years, a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was the first Wesleyan in the district, and for many years acted in all matters connected with the church in the absence of the minister, and has been through every office connected with the church. Mr Withell married Miss Railton previous to his arrival in New Zealand, and has a family of nine children. His eldest son, Mr. Charles W. Withell, is headmaster of the Darfield school.

Standish and Preece, photo.Mr. R. Withell.

Standish and Preece, photo.
Mr. R. Withell.

Withell, Charles, Farmer, “Raywell,” Brookside. Mr. Withell was born in Yorkshire, between Scarborough and York, in 1837 In youth he followed farming, and came to New Zealand, in the ship “Allmore,” in 1857 Raywell estate, comprising 1280 acres, then extensively covered with flax, raupo, and tutu, was bought by him in 1870. The scene, how ever, soon changed under Mr. Withell's skill and enterprise. After breeding Merinos for several years, Mr. Withell established a stud Lincoln flock in 1876 by the purchase of forty three ewes and lambs from Mr. Walter Lawrie, of Springston, who had bought them at Mr George Gould's sale. These were soon supplemented by the purchase of twenty-four ewes descended from imported stock, and got by a Kirkham ram. Mr. Withell next bought from Mr. Brittan ten ewes, which were part of a shipment selected for the late Mr. John McFarlane by Mr. W. C. Buchanan from the flocks of Kirkham, etc. He also bought twenty-four ewes and their lambs from Mr. T. Pashby. None but purebred rams have been used in Mr. Withell's Lincoln flock; one was an imported sheep bred by Mr. Needham, and the others were secured from the most noted colonial breeders. It is not surprising, then, that the “Raywell” flock should be noted for its prize-winning animals; during recent years it has won no fewer than 248 prizes, seventeen of which have been champions and specials. In 1892, Mr. Withell established an English Leicester flock with sheep selected from the flocks of the best colonial breeders, and Raywell estate is devoted chiefly to these Lincolns and Leicesters. Mr. Withell has other properties comprising 3108 acres, and on these he keeps crossbred sheep to raise fat lambs for the export trade. Mr. Withell has served on the local school committee, and he is an active member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He has been twice married; first, in 1860, to Miss Bolton, who bore him eleven children, and, secondly, to Miss Curlett, by his marriage with whom he has had two children.

Mr. C. Withell.

Mr. C. Withell.

Withell, Albert, Farmer, “Raywell,” Brookside. Mr. Withell is the fourth son of
Mr. A. Withell.

Mr. A. Withell.

page 692 Mr. Charles Withell, a prominent and successful settler in the district. He was born at Brookside in 1876, educated in his native place, and gained a thoroughly practical knowledge of farming under the tuition of his father. On his father removing to another estate in the Ellesmere district, Mr. Withell entered into possession of the homestead block at “Raywell,” where he has 456 acres of fertile land, on which he successfully conducts a system of general and mixed farming. Mr. Withell keeps stock of the best strain, and is a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Plastoral Association.

Withell, William, Farmer, Vallambrosa, Brookside. Mr. Withell is the second son of Mr. Charles Withell, one of the pioneers of the district, and was born at Riccarton, in 1865. He was educated at Christchurch, and Brookside, and received a practical education in farming from his father. In 1892 he began farming on his present property, which consists of 400 acres, which formed part of the original estate purchased by his father. He keeps sheep and carries on general farming, and started his flock with a small select lot of pure bred English Leicesters. Mr. Withell is a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and also of the Brookside school committee. In his younger days he was a well known athlete, and took a prominent part in football, cricket and tennis. He married Miss Campbell, of Dunedin, sister of Mrs J. Cunningham, of Brookside.

Mr. W. Withell.

Mr. W. Withell.

Old Colonists.

Mr. John Graham, sometime of Brookside, was one of the pioneers of the district. He was born in the North of Ireland, came to New Zealand in the sixties, and died at Brookside in 1875, when he left a widow, one son, and one daughter.

Mr. Isaac Mawson, sometime of Brookside, was one of the pioneers who arrived by the first four ships. At first he was farming near Cashmere, and was one of the first to discover the wonderful fertility of land in the Brookside district, where he settled when his nearest neighbour was Mr. Washbourne. The district was then little better than a swamp, but Mr. Mawson, as a practical farmer, foresaw what could be done by good drainage. He therefore set to work, and gradually got his 400 acre farm under cultivation. As his property became improved, he started breeding Shorthorns, and was a most successful exhibitor at the various agricultural and pastoral shows. Mr. Mawson died in 1883, leaving a family of five sons and six daughters.

Mr. David Scott, sometime of “Coldwells,” Brookside, was born in File, Scotland, in December, 1837. He was brought up to farming, and arrived in Melbourne, Victoria, in 1859, but remained there only a short time, for in the same year he came to Canterbury, via Wellington. At first he worked at a threshing machine for Mr. Bridge, at Ferry Road, and was afterwards for two years at Lincoln Road with Mr. Harris Browne. He then entered the employment of the late Mr. James Gammack, who then resided at Lincoln Road, and was with him also after he removed to Springston. Mr. Scott then bought 100 acres of land at Brookside, and succeeded so well as a farmer that he became the owner of over 500 acres of fertile, well cultivated land, with a handsome villa residence, and large offices. Mr. Scott had been a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association since its foundation, and was a breeder of good draught horses. He owned an excellent herd of pure bred Shorthorn cattle, and took some prizes at Leeston shows. Mr. Scott was chairman of the Brookside school committee for four years, and was a trustee of the Presbyterian church; and he took an active part in founding the Central Dairying Company. He married Miss Armit, and had a family of four sons and five daughters, of whom the eldest son and daughter are married. Mr. Scott died suddenly on the 2nd of December, 1902.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.The late Mr. D. Scott.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.
The late Mr. D. Scott.

Mr. William Watson, sometime of Brookside, was born in the parish of Hesketh, Cumberland, England, in 1821, and, accompanied by his wife, two sons, and one daughter, arrived in New Zealand in 1859, by the ship “Mystery.” He first went to work for Mr. J. T. Fisher, of Sydenham, but shortly afterwards he started farming on his own account on the land on which Waltham now stands. There he prospered for three years, and then removed to Brookside, where he had bought a farm of about sixty-five acres. As years went on, he increased his area by judicious purchases, until his estate was one of the most important in the district. Mr. Watson took very great interest in all matters affecting the progress of Brookside, and was a member of the Ellesmere Road Board for many years. He was a recognised judge of cattle, and acted as such at the various agricultural and pastoral shows. As a successful breeder of Shorthorns he was noted throughout New Zealand. Mr. Watson was for many years chairman of the Brookside school committee, and was a liberal supporter of the Methodist church. About the year 1898 Mr. Watson retired from the active management of his farm. He died in 1901 at the advanced age of eighty, and left a widow, six sons, and two daughters, and thirty-seven grandchildren.

The late Mr. W. Watson and Mrs Watson

The late Mr. W. Watson and Mrs Watson