The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
Puerua
Puerua.
Puerua is a large agricultural and dairyfarming district, in the county of Clutha, three miles from Romahapa, on the Catlins river railway line. It is an old-established settlement, cut up into small farms, which were owned in the first instance by pioneer colonists who came to Otago by the first ships. Here the late Rev. William Bannerman laboured as a Presbyterian minister for many years. Puerua has a handsome Presbyterian church, a public hall, and a well-appointed store, which is also the local post, telegraph, and money order office. The nearest schools are at Romahapa and Waitepeka. A creamery has been established in the district.
Mr. W. Paterson.
Paterson, James , Storekeeper, Port Molyneux. Mr. Paterson was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1823, and came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Jura” in 1858. He remained in Dunedin till 1862, and then removed to Port Molyneux, where he has been engaged in storekeeping ever since. In the early days Mr. Paterson was an active member of the local road board, and also of the school committee and Presbyterian church; and he has been a Justice of the Peace for over forty years. His eldest son, Mr. William Paterson, carries on business at Puerua as a baker and general merchant, and is referred to as such in the preceding article.