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

Gray, William Lockhart

Gray, William Lockhart , Farmer, “Frankfield,” Pukeuri, Mr. Gray was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1826, was educated in his native place and worked on his father's farm. In 1862 he emigrated to New Zealand, and went to Oamaru, when he worked for Mr. John Allan for twelve months. He then bought a team of three horses, paying £92 per head for two and £55 for the third, and commenced carrying to the diggings, as high as £110 per ton being paid at that time for freight from Oamaru to Albertown. This rate was soon reduced to £60, though the price of oats was fifteen shillings per bushel. Mr. Gray bought seventy-four acres of land from the Government at thirty shillings per acre. It was in its native state, and he put it down in wheat. In the first year he threshed at the rate of twenty-five bushels per acre, and realised ten shillings per bushel. Since his original purchase, Mr. Gray has bought other land, paying as high as £21 5s per acre for it, and he now owns 550 acres in all. He was a member of the first road board formed in the district, and also a member of local school and church committees. Mr. Gray was married, in 1861, to Miss Waddell, of Lanarkshire, and has six sons and seven daughters.

Mr. W. L. Gray.

Mr. W. L. Gray.