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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Councillor James Roos

Councillor James Roos , J.P., who has represented Bushey riding on the Waihemo County Council since 1893, is a large farmer, stock-breeder and dealer, and resides at Kartigi, where he owns 3650 acres of freehold, and leases 2000 acres from Mrs Culling and 1700 acres from Mr. James Allen, M.H.R. He was born on the 9th of November, 1839, in Strath Kyle, Ross-shire, Scotland, brought up to country pursuits, and arrived at Port Chalmers, by the ship “Lady Egida,” on the 2nd of February, 1861. At first he went shepherding with Mr. McGregor, at Silverstream for twelve months. He was then engaged by Messrs Cameron, and Mr. Edward McGlashan as head shepherd, and remained in their service until the Mount Stoker station was sold to Messrs Gellibrand and Smith. The new firm, retaining his services, sent him to Warrington, in 1874, to buy and sell and carry on butchering, while the railway line was under construction. Then Mr. Ross leased the Warrington paddocks, and commenced business on his own account. He also leased Meadowbank from Mr. A. W. Bell, and took possession on the 1st of January, 1878. He also took his brother David in as a partner, and the firm carried on business on a very large scale as Ross Brothers. They bought and sold stock all over Otago and South Canterbury, and leased paddocks all over the district, including paddocks on Tumai, Goodwood, and 1000 acres from Mr. Rich, of Bushey Park, at 17s 6d per acre, and paid rent altogether to the amount of £3000 per annum. In the meantime Mr. James Ross removed from Warrington to Trotter's Creek, leasing Mr. Trotter's farm and buying Pebbly Brook, which he still holds. In March, 1877, Mr. Ross leased the whole of Bushey Park estate from Mr. Rich at 15s per acre, and went to live on the property. A year later the Bank of New Zealand took over the property from Mr. Rich, and released it to Ross Brothers at 14s per acre for a term of five years. At the end of the lease, the brothers dissolved partnership, the officials in charge of the Bank refusing their offer of 12s per acre for a term of years for the property. Mr. James Ross then, on his own account, made an offer of 13s per acre for five years, and a £10 per acre purchasing clause, which was also refused. After the dissolution of partnership Mr. J. Ross bought his large farm at Kartigi, where he has since resided.

Councillor J. Ross.

Councillor J. Ross.