The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]
Old Colonists
Old Colonists.
Mr. A. McPhail, sometime of “Hartwood,” South Rakaia, was born at Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland, in 1817, and was brought up as a carpenter. He came to New Zealand in 1863, and for five years after his arrival he worked at his trade. In 1868 he settled in the Selwyn district, and purchased “Hartwood” in 1873, when the land was all in its native state. The estate now consists of 719 acres, and is devoted to the production of grain, mutton, and wool, for which the land is admirably adapted. The improvements are of a permanent and extensive nature, and the dwellinghouse has a pleasant north-western aspect. The outbuildings are excellent, and are well sheltered from the prevailing winds by a well grown plantation of forest and ornamental trees, with a beautiful avenue running from the house to the road, and the land is divided into sixteen paddocks. Mr. McPhail died in 1896, leaving a widow, two sons, and one daughter to mourn his death.
The late Mr. A. McPhail.
The late Mr. W. A. Pearce, Mrs Pearce and Family.