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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
Orr, John
Orr, John , Settler, Newborough, Oamaru. Mr. Orr was born in the parish of Shotts, Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1841, and was brought up to country life by his father, who was a farmer. He arrived in Port Chalmers by the ship “Gala.” in 1860, and found employment at East Taieri for a few months. On the outbreak of the goldfields he was attracted thither, and soon afterwards commenced carting to the diggings in Otago, and afterwards on the West Coast. In 1878 he settled in the Oamaru district, and had land at White Rocks. He made periodical trips on the roads to Central Otago, and afterwards owned and worked a threshing mill for a number of years. A severe explosion in connection with his mill at Waiareka nearly terminated fatally, whereupon Mr. Orr gave up that line of life, and removed to Otiake, where he farmed for about seven years. He then purchased Messrs Herbert and Wright's business at Kurow, and engaged in storekeeping till 1889, when he sold the business. About thirteen years later he re-purchased the business, and after realising the stock he leased the premises to Mr. Brooks, who still conducts the store. In the early days Mr. Orr was a member of the Order of Oddfellows.